Meaning of "Amsterdam" by Peter Bjorn And John

The lyrics of "Amsterdam" capture the theme of longing and the struggle to escape a particular memory or place. The use of the city as a symbol serves to represent a state of mind rather than a physical location. The repetition of "so slow" throughout the song creates a sense of monotony and stagnation. It reflects the frustration of being mentally trapped in a past experience or memory, unable to move forward. The lyrics suggest that sometimes certain memories or places have such a profound impact on our lives that they become deeply ingrained in our minds and influence our daily thoughts and actions. Despite their efforts to distract themselves or find solace elsewhere, the memories of Amsterdam persist and hinder their ability to fully engage with their current surroundings. The song explores the concept of being alone with one's thoughts and the often frustrating inability to escape the hold of certain memories. It speaks to the universal experience of feeling trapped and longing for a different reality.