Meaning of "Little Black Submarines" by The Black Keys

"Little Black Submarines" explores the theme of heartbreak and the difficulties associated with moving on from a past love. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desperation, as evidenced by the repeated plea to the operator to put the narrator back on the line. This can be interpreted as a desire to reconnect with the person they have left behind or perhaps a longing for the comfort and familiarity of the relationship they once had. The mention of the voices calling and getting lost and out of time suggests that the narrator is haunted by memories and thoughts of their lost love. This could symbolize the internal struggles they face in trying to let go and move on.

The line "I should've seen it glow, but everybody knows that a broken heart is blind" highlights the common experience of not realizing the flaws or issues in a relationship until after it has ended. It suggests that the narrator was blinded by their own emotions and failed to see the warning signs or acknowledge the problems that ultimately led to the breakup. This line also hints at the pain and vulnerability that accompanies a broken heart, as it can cloud one's judgment and perception.

The mention of stolen friends and disease alludes to the aftermath of a breakup, where friendships may be strained or lost, and one may experience emotional turmoil or even physical illness. The plea for the operator to patch the narrator back to their mind reflects a desire to regain control and find some semblance of normalcy after the heartbreak. This suggests that the narrator is struggling to find their identity and navigate their thoughts and emotions in the wake of the breakup.

Overall, the lyrics of "Little Black Submarines" paint a picture of a person grappling with the pain and turmoil of heartbreak. The song explores themes of longing, desperation, emotional blindness, and the struggle to move on from a broken relationship.