Meaning of "Northshore" by Tegan And Sara

The lyrics of "Northshore" reveal a complex and conflicting emotional state. The speaker seems trapped in a cycle of self-restraint and avoidance, desperately trying to maintain control over their emotions and interactions. Each line begins with a command, instructing themselves not to do or feel certain things. This repetition creates a sense of rigidity and self-imposed limitations.

The repetition also suggests a deep internal struggle. The speaker may be fighting against their own instincts and desires, searching for a way to protect themselves from pain and vulnerability. However, the more they try to resist their feelings, the more they become entangled in misery. The line "My misery's so addictive" suggests that the speaker finds a strange satisfaction in their suffering, as if it has become a familiar and necessary part of their life.

The title "Northshore" adds another layer to the lyrics' meaning. Northshore can refer to an actual location, perhaps a beach or a place of solace for the speaker. However, it can also symbolize a state of detachment or distance. The phrase "Watching Northshore from the floor" creates an image of the speaker on the sidelines, observing someone or something from a position of powerlessness. They sing to this person, but the line "over my shoulder" implies that the recipient of their song is not fully engaged or present.

Overall, "Northshore" portrays the internal struggle to maintain control, suppress emotions, and avoid vulnerability. It highlights the complexities and contradictions of human emotions, as the speaker finds themselves drawn to their own misery while simultaneously yearning for connection and understanding.