Meaning of "I Wish I Were Blind" by Bruce Springsteen

"I Wish I Were Blind" delves into the theme of unrequited love and the anguish it brings. The song highlights the contrast between the beauty and joy the narrator witnesses in the world around him, such as the blooming cottonwood and the message of love brought by the bluebird, and the heartache he experiences when he sees the person he loves with someone else. The lyrical depiction of longing to be blind speaks to the intensity of the narrator's pain and desire to escape the reality of their unrequited love.

The lyrics capture not only the physical aspects that the narrator longs to avoid seeing, such as the person's hair shining or their touch while dancing, but also the emotional toll it takes. The eyes that were once filled with beauty now only fill with pain, and the light that used to enter the narrator's heart has been banished. The darkness symbolizes the despair and hopelessness the narrator feels, as they can no longer find any beauty or joy in the world. Despite being aware of the grace and beauty of God's creations, the narrator can't help but wish to be blind when witnessing the person they love with their partner.

The song's emotional depth is reflected in the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the longing and pain the narrator experiences each time they see the person they desire with someone else. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's yearning and anguish, creating a relatable portrayal of the heartache that unrequited love can bring.