Meaning of "Anytime Soon" by Conor Oberst

The lyrics of "Anytime Soon" delve into themes of nostalgia, missed opportunities, and the inevitability of change. The narrator seems stuck in a loop of routine and disappointment, reminiscing about dreams that were never realized and a relationship that has lost its spark. The mention of wanting to be an astronaut as a child but ending up in a mundane reality symbolizes the loss of youthful idealism and the acceptance of a less extraordinary life. The references to catching fish, getting drunk, and watching bubbles in a spoon hint at a sense of aimlessness and escapism, as the narrator numbs the pain of unmet expectations. The symbolism of sleeping in separate rooms from their partner and the mention of avoiding delivering bad news illustrate a theme of avoidance and detachment, indicating a fear of confrontation and change. Overall, "Anytime Soon" captures the melancholic realization that time has passed and nothing significant has changed, highlighting the bittersweet nature of accepting the status quo.