Meaning of "To A Hammer" by Erin Mckeown

The song "To A Hammer" by Erin McKeown delves into the theme of unrequited love and the dynamics of a one-sided relationship. The narrator expresses their loyalty and devotion to someone who is oblivious to their feelings, highlighting the pain of loving someone who does not love them back. The references to a blind man and a player symbolize different perspectives on life and relationships, with the blind man representing ignorance and the player embodying a lack of emotional investment. The imagery of names in salt and marble, fading flowers, and trains following their rails all speak to the inevitability of change, loss, and the passage of time. The repeated refrain "to a hammer everything is a nail" underscores the idea that individuals perceive and approach situations differently based on their own experiences and priorities. Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet journey of unrequited love and the struggle to move on despite lingering feelings.