Meaning of "Bones" by Michael Kiwanuka

The lyrics of "Bones" delve into the theme of longing for a lost love and the emptiness that accompanies their absence. The narrator expresses their thoughts about the person, emphasizing how they constantly think about them and long to be with them. The line "Well I long to be alone with you" reveals the narrator's yearning for a deeper connection and intimate moments with their lost love. The repetition of the line "And if I could have a door knock, what I would do?" indicates that the narrator wishes for a chance to reunite with this person, suggesting that there may have been some unresolved issues or a missed opportunity.

The sentiment of feeling like "just bones" without their love demonstrates the profound impact this person had on the narrator's life. The loss of this love has left them feeling empty and incomplete. The lyrics imply that the narrator's existence lacks meaning or purpose without their significant other, as they contemplate leaving the world behind. The repetition of the phrase "This world alone" conveys the narrator's isolation and the profound effect the absence of their love has on their entire being.

Furthermore, the lines "Days go more and more I see, That your love is all my soul needs" suggest that the narrator has come to realize the depth and significance of the love they lost. They acknowledge that their soul yearns for this love, indicating its profound impact on their emotional and spiritual well-being. The lyrics evoke a sense of desperation and vulnerability, as the narrator finds themselves "fallin' to [their] knees" without the love they desire.

Overall, "Bones" by Michael Kiwanuka depicts the profound longing and emotional emptiness caused by the loss of a significant love. It explores the depths of human connection and the impact that a lost love can have on one's sense of self and purpose.