Meaning of "F.O.R.E.V.E.R." by James Blake

The lyrics of "F.O.R.E.V.E.R." by James Blake delve into the mutable nature of love and relationships. The refrain "Don't use the word, 'Forever,' we live too long to be so loved" suggests a cynicism towards the concept of everlasting love. Blake acknowledges that people change, and therefore relationships are not static. The line "We think we are the only ones" speaks to a sense of individualism and self-centeredness, perhaps implying that people tend to believe they are unique in their experiences and emotions. The repetition of "You can't walk the streets a ghost anymore" hints at a loss of anonymity or a longing for the freedom to disappear without being noticed.

The following verse contains imagery that highlights the resemblance between passing days and the person the singer is addressing: "Days form like new figures down my road, each one looks more like you than you know." This line suggests that the passing of time only serves to further emphasize the person's significance and influence over the speaker's life. The mention of beauty being present in desire ("Beauty always in the lust") reflects the idea that attraction and longing can be a driving force in relationships.

The lyrics then take a turn, revealing a period of absence: "While you were away, there was nothing to see." The mention of a mirror that is never used in the speaker's room implies a lack of self-reflection and introspection during this time. However, this absence leads to a realization: "While you were away, I started loving you." It suggests that the speaker's feelings grew stronger during this period of separation, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of love.

The final repetition of "I noticed I can still ghost the streets" suggests a return to the feeling of being able to disappear or move through life unnoticed. This realization is juxtaposed with a reflection on the slow pace of life, comparing it to the wings of a killer bee. This observation highlights the beauty and wonder of a person's presence despite the seemingly slow passing of time.

Overall, the lyrics of "F.O.R.E.V.E.R." explore the transience of love, the impact of absence on emotions, and the fascination with the ability to blend into the anonymity of life. They capture the complex and ever-changing nature of relationships, while also contemplating the significance of someone's presence and the perception of time.