Meaning of "Borders" by The Sunshine Underground

"Borders" explores the themes of communication, emotional distance, and the desire for connection in a relationship. The lyrics depict a situation where the narrator feels a sense of disconnect and frustration with the other person. The repeated line, "You're always keeping all your borders up," suggests that the other person consistently walls themselves off emotionally, preventing the narrator from truly connecting with them.

This emotional distance leads to a lack of agreement and understanding between the two individuals. The narrator acknowledges that they don't think they agree on things and that something must be wrong with them because of this. The use of the phrase "exclusive company" implies that the other person keeps their emotions and thoughts exclusive to themselves, creating a barrier between them and the narrator.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of feeling isolated and left out. The line "some bodies had a harder time, but you're always on the outside" suggests that while others may have faced difficulties, the other person always feels excluded or separate from the situation. This could hint at a lack of empathy or a sense of not being fully present in the relationship.

The narrator expresses a desire to break down these emotional barriers and bring about change. They mention "creeping round these avenues," which could symbolize the cautious approach they have been taking in trying to address the issue. However, they still feel confused and believe that the other person may also be confused.

Ultimately, the lyrics convey the need for communication, understanding, and vulnerability in a relationship. The repeated mention of fighting for a reason suggests that the narrator sees value in fighting for connection and understanding, but they also recognize that the other person may not share the same sentiment. It reflects the frustration of being in a relationship where one person is constantly guarded and distant, leaving the narrator feeling unheard and unimportant.