Meaning of "Vowels" by Capital Cities

"Vowels" explores the limitations of language when it comes to expressing complex emotions and experiences. The opening lines indicate that the speaker has something significant on their mind, but recognizes that words alone cannot do justice in fully capturing and conveying their thoughts. The idea of writing it on a sign symbolizes the need for an outward expression, but again, language falls short. The desire for a translator and a psychic reveals the longing for someone who can truly understand their innermost thoughts and feelings without relying on verbal language. The mention of Shakespeare, a renowned wordsmith, emphasizes the inadequacy of language itself.

The repeated refrain of using only vowels suggests a frustration with the constraints of traditional language. By reducing communication to vowels, the speaker seeks a more primal and intuitive way of expressing themselves, bypassing the limitations of words. This could be interpreted as a way to tap into a deeper, universal understanding that transcends language barriers.

Ultimately, "Vowels" speaks to the human desire for authentic connection and the struggle to find adequate means of expression. It highlights the limitations of words and hints at the potential for alternative modes of communication that can capture the essence of emotion more accurately.