Meaning of "Looks Red, Tastes Blue" by Mayday Parade

The lyrics of "Looks Red, Tastes Blue" delve into the emotional turmoil caused by distance and the longing for someone who is physically far away. The protagonist describes the day as the "longest" they've ever had, emphasizing the torment they feel. Despite being physically distant from their loved one, they assert that distance can make a person stronger, but they also plead for it not to last any longer, suggesting that the sadness and longing they feel are becoming unbearable.

The protagonist's mind is overrun with negative thoughts, and they express the hope that this state of mind is only temporary. They believe that they are always meant to be together, implying a deep connection between them and their loved one. However, the pain they are experiencing goes deeper than what can be expressed, as they mention that it hurts more than the other person will ever know. This pain is intensified by the fear of imagining life without the person they cherish.

The chorus presents the concept of waking oneself up from a painful reality. The protagonist metaphorically pinches themselves, hoping that their feelings are not real and that the pain they are experiencing has not actually happened. They feel tears welling up, indicating that the pain they are fearing may be worse than their initial imagination.

The following verses convey the anguish of dwelling on memories and reliving moments that only intensify the longing and sadness. The protagonist implores their loved one to say what they mean because nothing lasts forever, highlighting the impermanence of relationships.

The bridge of the song expresses the determination to hold onto memories and not forget the face of the person they love, acknowledging the fleeting nature of photographs as they tend to fade away.

Overall, "Looks Red, Tastes Blue" portrays the emotional struggle of distance and separation, emphasizing the agony of longing and the fear of losing someone. It highlights the temporary and transient nature of memories while also emphasizing the profound impact someone can have on another person's life.