Meaning of "Walkway Blues" by M83
"Walkway Blues" delves into themes of longing, loss, and the struggle to cope with a broken heart. The narrator appears to be in a state of emotional turmoil, searching for signs of life and connection. The mention of a "foreign flight" and "looking for signs of life" may imply a desire for escape and new beginnings. However, when the subject of their affection appears on their screen, it momentarily brings them solace, reminding them that they are not alone.
The line "empty haze is all that remains" suggests that the narrator's world has become blurred and devoid of meaning since the end of their relationship. They feel lost as they wander the sidewalk, yearning for the person they've lost, unable to let go. The repetition of "calling your name" emphasizes their longing and the desperation to retain a connection that has been severed.
The narrator's sleep on the concrete represents a sense of displacement and discomfort. They are unable to find solace and escape from their pain even in their dreams. The mention of the "glass simulacra" implies that they seek refuge in an artificial, simulated reality, where they can find a semblance of the past and the relationship that has been lost. However, they acknowledge that they cannot replace the person or the ethereal connection they once shared.
The closing lines underline the narrator's struggle to come to terms with the end of the relationship. They acknowledge that everything has changed, and their loved one has moved on with someone new. The pain of seeing them walk away is unbearable for the narrator, intensifying their feelings of loss and abandonment. The repetition of "I can't stand to see you walking away" signifies their emotional anguish and inability to let go.
Overall, "Walkway Blues" explores the depths of heartbreak and the struggle to find closure after the end of a meaningful relationship. The lyrics capture the yearning, emptiness, and longing that come with lost love, as well as the desperate hope of finding solace, even if it is within the confines of dreams and simulacra.