Meaning of "O.A.V.I.P." by The Maccabees

The lyrics of "O.A.V.I.P." tap into the bittersweet emotions surrounding the inevitability of aging, loss, and mortality. The image of the woman collecting medicines in the same box where her partner once kept his speaks to the idea of continuity and change, as well as the passing of time. The reference to the year-old Werthers suggests a longing for youth and a sense of nostalgia for the past, as well as a recognition of the finite nature of life. The repeated question of "When's your start and when's your end?" highlights the cyclical nature of life, where departures and endings lead to new beginnings. The refrain "This is not farewell, old dear" carries a tone of acceptance and affection, acknowledging the inevitability of parting without succumbing to despair.