Meaning of "Black & Blue" by Gregory Alan Isakov

"Black & Blue" by Gregory Alan Isakov delves into the theme of unexpressed feelings, missed opportunities, and the longing for a lost connection in a relationship. The lyrics suggest a sense of regret for not verbally expressing one's emotions or desires towards the other person, as the boxes filled with unspoken words loom over the speaker. Despite the efforts and attempts to communicate, the speaker acknowledges that talking has never been effective in bridging the emotional gap and bringing them closer.

The metaphorical references to the taste of the loved one, red hearts, and the dust of June evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the intimacy and memories associated with the relationship. The taste represents the bittersweet experiences and emotions that the speaker deeply craves. However, the nights are described as dark as crows, emphasizing the emotional darkness and heaviness that the speaker is burdened with. The crows symbolize negative influences or external forces that hinder the speaker from being able to mend the broken connection and reach a point of closeness with the person they miss.

The repetition of "Two hearts gone black and blue" signifies the pain and damage caused in the relationship, further highlighting the emotional distance and longing for connection. The line "Everything you ever do is a sigh and a cry" depicts a sense of frustration and helplessness, suggesting that the speaker feels like their efforts to reconcile or improve the relationship always lead to sadness and disappointment.

Overall, "Black & Blue" conveys a sense of longing, regret, and the yearning for emotional closeness in a relationship that has become strained or distant. The lyrics capture the complex emotions associated with unspoken words, missed opportunities, and the struggle to bridge the emotional gap. It explores the universal themes of longing and the difficulties of communication and connection in relationships.