Meaning of "Autumn Love" by Death Cab For Cutie

"Autumn Love" reflects on the limitations and inadequacies of a superficial relationship. The lighthouses that used to guide the narrator have disappeared, leaving them adrift in the vastness of the open ocean. This symbolizes a loss of direction and the absence of a guiding light in their life. The moonlight becomes their only source of guidance, portraying a sense of vulnerability and reliance on something fleeting and unreliable.

The narrator's desire to know "depths deeper than the deepest of connections" indicates their longing for a more profound emotional experience. They have been feeling invincible, perhaps due to the surface-level nature of their current relationship, and crave the vulnerability and intimacy that comes from a deeper connection with someone.

The autumn love they reference in the song's chorus repeatedly emphasizes its insufficiency. Though surrounded by love, they still feel unfulfilled and unsatisfied. The lack of a beacon or guiding light further intensifies their feelings of being adrift, with no clear path or purpose. They want to break free from the shackles of direction and let the headlights guide them, symbolizing a willingness to embrace the unknown and venture into new territories.

The reference to the "lattice of the backbone" and the broken hearts held by the highways suggests a profound sense of human connection and vulnerability. Broken hearts are held together by the infrastructure of the world, serving as a reminder of the shared pain and struggles that unite us. It is within this context that the narrator seeks a more meaningful connection, one that goes beyond the surface and delves into the deeper layers of the human experience.

Overall, "Autumn Love" explores the yearning for something more profound and substantial in life. It highlights the limitations of superficial relationships and the desire for a deeper emotional connection. The lyrics speak to the universal human longing for meaning and depth, as well as the willingness to take risks and explore new paths in search of that fulfillment.