Meaning of "Late Lives" by Pianos Become The Teeth

The lyrics of "Late Lives" by Pianos Become The Teeth delve into themes of missed chances, regret, and the passage of time. The speaker reflects on the idea of what could have been, imagining a different path that was not taken. The mention of the journey from Elmira to Kansas City symbolizes a missed opportunity or dream that was not realized. The line "you can't be everything you want to be, before your time" speaks to the idea that sometimes things just don't align the way we hope, and that patience and acceptance are necessary. The concept of feeling stuck and unable to move forward is prevalent throughout the song, with references to standing still and the heat that never dissipates, reflecting a sense of stagnation. The feeling of being "halfway there" suggests a state of limbo, where the protagonist is neither fully present nor completely absent from their own life. Ultimately, the song grapples with the weight of missed chances and the inevitability of certain outcomes, emphasizing the importance of accepting where one is in the present moment.