The lyrics express feelings of confusion and sadness as the singer questions why the people they love always seem to leave when they need them the most, with references to missed opportunities for connection and longing for those who have departed.

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Meaning of "Why Do They Leave?" by Ryan Adams


"Why Do They Leave?" by Ryan Adams delves into the universal experience of loss and abandonment, exploring the frustration and heartache that come from feeling abandoned by loved ones. The repetition of the question "why do they leave" highlights a deep-seated sense of betrayal and confusion at the departure of those the singer cares about. The imagery of "simple cards and things" and "rosecolored sunsets" without any flowers or curtains emphasizes the absence of beauty and comfort in the singer's life without the presence of the ones who have left. The references to missed opportunities to express love and the longing for connection underline the pain of separation and the desire for the return of the departed individuals. The lyrics capture the raw emotions of rejection and longing, ultimately reflecting on the inevitability of loss and the lingering hope for reunion.