The lyrics tell the story of a girl who is crying out for her missing dad, waiting for him to come home at a terminal. She questions the meaning of love as she sees her parents' relationship fall apart, but ultimately longs for the familiarity of family and home.

Meaning of "Terminal" by Echosmith

The lyrics of "Terminal" delve into themes of longing, abandonment, and the complexities of love and family relationships. The girl's desperate cries for her father and her disappointment in her parents' broken marriage highlight the emotional impact of separation and loss. The use of the terminal as a setting symbolizes a liminal space where characters are in a state of transition or waiting, mirroring the uncertainty and emotional turmoil they are experiencing. Despite the pain and confusion, the girl's ultimate desire is for love, belonging, and the comfort of being with her family. The song conveys a sense of hope that in the midst of chaos and heartbreak, there is still the possibility of finding solace and connection in the familiarity of home.