Meaning of "Like They Used To" by Joshua Radin

"Like They Used To" by Joshua Radin conveys the bittersweet emotions of nostalgia and yearning for a lost love. The narrator reflects on a past relationship that has ended, reminiscing about the comfort and familiarity of being with that person. Despite the pain of separation and the knowledge that both parties have likely moved on, there is a lingering desire to recapture the closeness and intimacy that defined their time together. The lyrics evoke a sense of loneliness and longing, highlighting the difficulty of letting go of someone who was once a significant part of one's life. The mention of dreaming in the same bed and wanting clothes to smell like the lost lover serve as poignant reminders of the sensory experiences associated with love and intimacy. The reference to having flown too close to the sun with "wax wings" alludes to the Greek myth of Icarus, suggesting that the narrator may have pushed the boundaries of the relationship and now faces the consequences of that recklessness. Overall, the song captures the universal theme of lost love and the enduring impact it can have on individuals, emphasizing the complexity of human emotions and the enduring power of memories.