Meaning of "21" by Delilah

The lyrics of "21" by Delilah paint a heartbreaking picture of loss and longing. The narrator is counting down the days until their loved one turns twenty-one, a milestone that will never be reached due to tragic circumstances, emphasized by the repeated lines "You're gone away." The imagery of cutting someone's spirit and caging them speaks to a sense of confinement and loss of freedom, ultimately leading to death. Despite the sadness and pain, the narrator strives to keep the memory of their loved one alive by celebrating their life and remembering them on what would have been their twenty-first birthday. The song conveys the deep impact of losing someone and the lasting memories that remain even after they are gone.