Meaning of "Broken Arrows" by José González

The lyrics of "Broken Arrows" convey a sense of melancholy and the transient nature of love. The broken arrows along the shore symbolize shattered hopes and expectations. The line "Seems you intended to come back for more" suggests that one person in the relationship had hopes for a future together, but those hopes were not fulfilled. The mention of summer love leaving the town reflects the passing of a season, signaling the end of the relationship. The lyrics also reference the cold weather and leaves turning brown, which symbolize a loss of warmth and vibrancy, mirroring the fading of love. The sun going down signifies the end of the day and the loss of the love they once had.

Overall, the song explores the bittersweet reality that love doesn't always last. It reflects on the way things are sometimes and most of the time, where relationships can be fleeting and ultimately fade away. The lyrics evoke a feeling of nostalgia for a love that once existed but has now become nothing more than broken arrows along the shore.

The song's mood is reflective and somber, capturing the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. José González's gentle and haunting vocals add to the introspective atmosphere, conveying the sense of longing and resignation that comes with lost love. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "It was too cold to bathe and the leaves turned brown," emphasizes the cyclical nature of relationships and the inevitable changes that come with time.

Overall, "Broken Arrows" serves as a poignant reminder that love can be fragile and temporary. It speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the recognition that, despite our best intentions, relationships can unravel and fade away like the broken arrows along the shore.