Meaning of "1983" by Neon Trees

"1983" by Neon Trees explores themes of nostalgia, longing for the past, and a desire to reconnect with a past lover. The lyrics present the narrator as someone who feels isolated and disregarded while surrounded by others. The opening lines suggest that the narrator feels overlooked and unappreciated, as they stand alone against a wall while girls like the listener are cold and dismissive.

The mention of 1983 serves as a symbolic representation of a significant year for the narrator. It represents a time in their life when they believe things were better or more meaningful. The repeated lines of "Me and you, you and me, let's go back to 1983" express a longing to recreate the connection they once had with their past lover. The narrator idealizes the past, believing that going back to that specific year will bring back the happiness and intimacy they once shared.

The second verse reveals that the narrator has kept something hidden inside, and it has left a mark on them—represented by the blood on the blade. The mention of the other person sucking on a lollipop and not aging implies that they haven't changed much over the years. The narrator finds it frustrating to see the person acting cute and possibly being intimate with someone else, as they believe they understand the person better than anyone else. There is an underlying sense of jealousy and insecurity in the narrator's tone.

The chorus reinforces the idea of the narrator wanting to be noticed and recognized, as they proclaim, "I won't be ignored." They want the other person to acknowledge their presence and the impact they have had on their lives. The repetition of "Me and you, you and me, let's go back to 1983" throughout the song further emphasizes the longing to revisit the past and revive the connection they once shared.

Overall, "1983" delves into the emotions of nostalgia and longing for a past relationship. It explores the desire to relive meaningful moments from the past and the frustration of feeling overlooked and replaced. The song carries a bittersweet tone, reflecting on the complexities of love and the yearning for a lost connection.