Meaning of "Isabella" by Moriarty

The lyrics of "Isabella" by Moriarty delve into the theme of forgetting and the enduring power of certain memories, specifically through the character of Isabella. The song begins by acknowledging the forgetfulness that comes with awakening, as the words and pictures from dreams slip away but the music and the colors persist, "On and on." This repetition emphasizes the idea that music and colors have a lasting presence in our lives, unlike other things that we may forget.

As the song progresses, the focus shifts to Isabella, who becomes a representation of an unforgettable presence in the narrator's life. The repetition of her name, "Isa Isabella," further solidifies her significance. The narrator reflects on the natural process of growing old and how, with age, the memories of names tend to fade away. However, Isabella's name "hanged on" and endured in the narrator's mind for a long time, suggesting a deep emotional connection.

The lyrics then shift to a breakup, where the narrator reveals that Isabella has left and they were left behind. Here, the music symbolizes the memories associated with their relationship, which continue to play even in the absence of the person. The repetition of the phrase "And you forgot all that you left behind, and I was behind" underscores the feeling of abandonment and the narrator's struggle to move on after the breakup.

Overall, "Isabella" explores the idea that certain things, like music and colors, have the power to transcend time and memory. While people and their names may be forgotten, the emotional impact and significance they hold can endure. Isabella represents a person who leaves a lasting impression on the narrator, even after they have departed physically.