Meaning of "Spirit" by The Clientele

The lyrics of "Spirit" by The Clientele capture a sense of fleeting moments and contradictions in emotions. The narrator seems to be grappling with a mix of highs and lows, with the mention of feeling up and down, blown in by something they can't comprehend. The references to going for a drink and a drive alongside feeling hopeless at night convey a sense of seeking solace or distraction from inner turmoil. The imagery of splitting in two behind an Esso balloon suggests a sense of fragmentation or internal conflict, leading to a profound fear that undermines their perception of reality. The repetition of having the spirit but acknowledging that it won't last can be interpreted as a recognition of the transient nature of hope or optimism in the face of deeper anxieties. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a person wrestling with their emotions and the impermanence of fleeting moments of respite.