Meaning of "Only a Vision" by Daryl Hall

"Only a Vision" delves into the theme of memory, fantasy, and the blurred lines between the two. The singer is haunted by a past love that seems to exist only in their mind, as they struggle to reconcile the reality of the situation with the vision of the person they once loved. The repetition of "Only a vision in the corner of my eye" emphasizes the fleeting and distant nature of this memory, always just out of reach. The lyrics also touch on the conflict between the heart and the mind, as the singer's emotions pull them towards this vision even though their rational self knows it's not real. This internal struggle mirrors the universal experience of trying to let go of a past love, even when it's clear that holding onto the memory only brings pain. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet nostalgia of longing for something that can never be recaptured.