Meaning of "If We Were Ghosts" by Of Mice & Men

The lyrics of "If We Were Ghosts" delve into themes of longing, unfinished business, and the desire for closure. The speaker imagines a scenario where they are ghosts, able to see inside others and have a deeper understanding of their souls. They express a yearning to have others see inside them as well, to truly know what makes them who they are. There is a sense of incompleteness, as the speaker is constantly spinning around someone they care about, trying to uncover every aspect of them. However, the speaker acknowledges that this is not how life works. They have to wait until they reach the afterlife, "the other side," to have the opportunity to see the person they long for and to finally say goodbye.

The repetition of the phrase "I have to wait till I get to the other side" emphasizes the speaker's sense of longing and the feeling of being unable to fully express themselves in the present. The phrase is also significant in highlighting the lack of closure and the unfinished business within their relationship. The repeated use of the word "goodbye" further emphasizes this desire for closure and the pain of not being able to say a proper farewell.

The lines "And for a moment I could be/Something a bit more complete" show the speaker's longing to feel whole and content, even if it is just for a brief moment. There is a recognition that being a ghost would bring a certain level of clarity and understanding. The speaker hopes that in death, they will find the completeness they long for.

The phrase "The gentle sadness flows through everything" captures the overall tone of the song. It emphasizes the poignant, bittersweet nature of longing and not being able to say goodbye. It suggests that this longing and sadness permeate all aspects of the speaker's existence.

Overall, "If We Were Ghosts" explores the complexities of human emotions, the longing for connection and closure, and the inevitability of unfinished goodbyes. It delves into the idea of what it would be like if we had the ability to truly see inside others and be fully seen ourselves. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, while also acknowledging the limitations and uncertainties of life.