Meaning of "Distance" by Christina Perri

The lyrics of "Distance" by Christina Perri explore the conflicted emotions of the narrator towards a romantic relationship. From the beginning of the song, it is apparent that there is a longing for the other person, as the sun fills up the room and the narrator can hear them dreaming. However, despite their deep feelings, the narrator wishes they would give up on the relationship because they are afraid to call it love. This fear stems from the intensity of their emotions and the vulnerability that comes with confessing their love. The line, "Please don't stand so close to me, I'm having trouble breathing," reveals the suffocating effect the other person has on the narrator. They are afraid of what the other person will see if they get too close, suggesting a fear of being exposed and potentially rejected.

The narrator's approach to this situation is to keep their distance, both physically and emotionally. They decide to say "I love you" when the other person is not listening, perhaps to avoid the risk of rejection or the pressure of reciprocation. The constant questioning of how long they can keep this up indicates a sense of inevitability that their true feelings will eventually be revealed and that they cannot hide forever.

The repetition of the line "And I keep waiting for you to take me, you keep waiting to say what we have" emphasizes the stagnation of the relationship. Both parties seem hesitant to fully commit or express their true feelings. The narrator's final plea, "how long till we call this love, love, love?" is a desperate longing for the relationship to progress beyond its current state of uncertainty.

Overall, "Distance" delves into the complexities of love, fear, and vulnerability. It captures the internal struggle of wanting to be close to someone while simultaneously fearing the consequences that intimacy brings. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is caught in a cycle of waiting, longing, and keeping their true emotions hidden. It is a heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows of romantic relationships and the difficulties of taking the next step.