Meaning of "Ceilings" by Local Natives

"Ceilings" is a song that encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia and yearning for a past relationship or moment. The opening line, "I haven't stopped your smoking yet, so I'll share your cigarette," suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness, even in the act of sharing a cigarette. It speaks to a desire to hold onto something, even if it might not be healthy or beneficial. The line, "Just to feel it in my fingers," portrays a longing for tangible experiences and the physicality of being with someone.

The next lines, "Walk around 'til 3 AM, tell me what I know again, to keep myself from second-guessing," reveal a need for reassurance and clarity in the relationship. There is a constant search for affirmation, a desire to feel secure in the connection they share. The repetition of seeking confirmation highlights the narrator's uncertainty and longing for validation.

The line, "All my silver dreams bring me to you," can be interpreted as a reference to memories or fantasies of the past. These "silver dreams" are the reminiscing moments that transport the narrator back to the relationship and the person they long to be with. It suggests that even in their dreams, they are still drawn to this person.

The chorus, "Hold the summer in your hands 'til the summer turns to sand, we were staring at our ceilings, thinking of what we'd give to have one more day of sun, one day of sun," reinforces the theme of nostalgia and longing. The idea of holding onto the summer, a time associated with warmth, happiness, and carefree moments, represents the desire to freeze time and preserve the joy that relationship brought. Staring at the ceilings could signify moments of reflection, contemplating what they would sacrifice to relive those happy times again.

Overall, the lyrics of "Ceilings" evoke a sense of yearning, longing for the past, and the intense desire to hold onto cherished moments and relationships. It portrays the universal human experience of reminiscing, seeking validation, and grappling with the passing of time.