Meaning of "Liquor & Love Lost" by Bring Me The Horizon

The lyrics of "Liquor & Love Lost" delve into the emotional turmoil of being haunted by the memories and presence of a past love. The protagonist sees flashes of their eyes and hears their voice, but these are merely illusions created by their longing for that person. The use of smoke and cigarette curls as a visual descriptor creates a hazy and ethereal atmosphere, further emphasizing the ghostly nature of the presence they feel.

The repetition of the phrase "she haunts me" emphasizes the power and persistence of the haunting. It suggests that the memories and emotions tied to this love are inescapable, haunting the protagonist until their bitter end. This haunting could be interpreted as the lingering impact of a failed relationship, where the scars and memories continue to affect the protagonist's present life.

The line "So much for living forever, so much for death do us part" reflects on the disillusionment of the protagonist. It suggests that they had once believed in the eternal nature of their love, only to be proven wrong. The phrase "living forever" could be a metaphor for a lasting and fulfilling relationship, while "death do us part" symbolizes the commitment of marriage. The bitter realization that these ideals were shattered adds to the sense of melancholy and regret expressed throughout the lyrics.

The protagonist's coping mechanism appears to be excessive drinking. They drown away their sorrows, using alcohol as a means to escape the painful reality of their lost love. The repetition of the line "And I drink away the day as it decays" conveys a sense of self-destruction and numbness, as they try to dull their emotions and find temporary solace in the haze of intoxication.

In essence, "Liquor & Love Lost" captures the haunting nature of past love and the emotional struggle of moving on from a failed relationship. It explores the themes of disillusionment, regret, and the futile attempts to escape the haunting memories of a love that was never meant to last.