Meaning of "City of Angels" by Miguel

"City of Angels" is a song that explores themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the longing for connection. The lyrics paint a picture of a city under attack, with fighter jets flying overhead and unknown ships in the sky. The mention of breaking news on TV indicates that the attack was unexpected and had a significant impact. In this chaotic and uncertain time, the singer reminisces about stolen moments with someone, expressing regret for not being with them when the city fell.

The song can be interpreted as an exploration of the consequences of choices and the feeling of missing out on meaningful connections. The mention of "stealing moments" suggests that the singer had a secret relationship or encounters with this person, possibly implying that they were not able to openly be together. The line "I won the war but not a day goes by that I don't think I should've been with you" highlights the singer's conflicting emotions. Despite the victory in the war, the singer is haunted by thoughts of what could have been with this person.

The description of a vast shadow over the city and the search for a smile in the rubble further emphasize the destruction and chaos caused by the attack. The singer's decision to stay behind in search of the person he regrets not being with showcases a desire for connection and a hope for reconciliation even in the midst of devastation. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of loyalty, as the singer chooses to stay behind while everyone else flees for safety.

Overall, "City of Angels" delves into the themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the longing for connection in a time of chaos and destruction. It explores the emotional aftermath of a catastrophic event, illustrating the impact it has on personal relationships and the introspection it brings about.