Meaning of "Basement Stairs" by Real Friends

The lyrics of "Basement Stairs" by Real Friends delve into the theme of nostalgia and the bittersweet emotions that come with reminiscing about past memories. The speaker longs for the comfort and simplicity of a time when they were happy, without the complications and challenges that come with growing up and changing. The imagery of sitting on an old couch, listening to sad songs, and smoking by the old house creates a sense of longing for a bygone era. The repetition of "I know it sounds selfish" emphasizes the internal conflict of wanting to hold onto the past but also recognizing the inevitability of change. The mention of feeling like change is a fence that they can't climb highlights the feeling of being trapped by the passage of time, unable to go back to the way things were. Ultimately, the lyrics convey the universal experience of grappling with the passage of time and the longing for a simpler, happier past that is forever out of reach.