Meaning of "Petulia" by The Kooks
The lyrics of "Petulia" convey a sense of intense longing and reliance on the presence of someone named Petulia for the narrator's life to feel significant. Petulia is portrayed as being inseparable from the narrator's existence - being "in my blood again" suggests a deep connection that cannot be easily severed. The repetition of "Like a hurt undone, like a love without a sound, like a heartbeat moving through me" emphasizes the profound emotional impact Petulia has on the narrator. The use of contrasting imagery, such as "meaning full, nothing but you" and "meaningless, everything but you," underscores the central role that Petulia plays in the narrator's world. The lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and dependence, suggesting that the narrator's life becomes dull and empty in Petulia's absence. Overall, the song captures the intensity and depth of the narrator's feelings for Petulia, portraying a love that is all-consuming and vital to their sense of self.