Meaning of "Another One Goes By" by The Walkmen

The lyrics of "Another One Goes By" convey a feeling of longing and missed opportunities. The opening lines, "Kissing your skin, Your skeleton splinters my daydreams," evoke a sense of enchantment and desire for someone. However, the narrator feels that their connection is fragile and transient, as depicted by the line, "Under this other scene everything seems." This line suggests that their relationship only exists within a dream or a different reality.

The mention of shadows sliding across the wall and the narrator walking outside to try to see the person right in front of them highlight the ineffable nature of their connection. The imagery of a silhouette being "something sweet" and "so bright" suggests that even though the person is not physically present, their presence is still powerful and captivating to the narrator.

However, the narrator also expresses a sense of helplessness and inadequacy in the lines, "I don't know what to offer you, when I'm only broke and lonely." This suggests that the narrator feels unable to provide the person they desire with anything substantial or meaningful. They may feel that they are lacking in material wealth or emotional stability, making them feel inadequate in the context of this relationship.

The repetition of the phrase "Another one goes, and another one goes by" emphasizes the fleeting nature of relationships and the missed opportunities that the narrator has experienced. It conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance that despite seeing glimpses of the person they desire, they always seem just out of reach.

The overall meaning of the lyrics is one of longing, missed chances, and a sense of not being able to fulfill the desires and expectations of a potential relationship. It captures the bittersweet feeling of wanting someone and being unable to fully have them, whether due to personal shortcomings or external circumstances.