Meaning of "Drifting" by Harry Connick, Jr.

The song "Drifting" portrays the sorrow and vulnerability that come with realizing a partner's emotional distance. The opening lines where the singer mentions seeing the other person's eyes drifting indicates a disconnect and a loss of focus within the relationship. Despite the partner's attempts to mask their feelings with a smile, it is apparent that their heart is not fully invested in the relationship as implied by the repeated mention of drifting. The sense of coldness and the reference to the autumn wind evoke a feeling of impending change and decay, emphasizing the inevitability of the partner's departure. The denial of the partner's emotional distancing further compounds the pain felt by the singer, leading to a realization that despite their efforts, the relationship is slipping away. Overall, the lyrics of "Drifting" speak to the universal experience of heartbreak and the difficulty of accepting the end of a once cherished connection.