Meaning of "Magnetised" by Tom Odell
"Magnetised" delves into the universal human experience of longing for love and connection, especially when faced with unrequited feelings. The songwriter uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his emotions. The reference to birds and their navigational instincts reflects the singer's desire for the certainty and direction that seems to come naturally to them. He longs to have "a little more of nature" in himself, suggesting a longing for the ability to navigate the complexities of relationships with the same ease as the natural world.
The couple on the bus represents the romantic ideal the singer yearns for – a trusting, comfortable love where one can fall asleep together, safe in the knowledge that they have each other. He wishes he could convey to them the beauty and fragility of love, comparing it to a flower in the snow – something rare and delicate.
However, the chorus comes back to the painful reality of the singer's situation. He feels magnetized to someone who doesn't reciprocate his feelings, leaving him love paralyzed. The repetition of the line "she keeps me hanging on" emphasizes the singer's sense of being stuck in this unrequited love. He understands that the world continues its natural processes, like keeping the moon in the sky, but his own heartache keeps him trapped in this emotional limbo.
The final lines further emphasize the singer's longing and pain. Love decides to be unkind, turning water black, symbolizing the darkness and sadness he experiences when loving someone who doesn't love him back. The repetition of the chorus serves as a reminder of the singer's ongoing struggle with unrequited love and his yearning for a different outcome.
Overall, "Magnetised" explores the complex emotions and longing that come with unrequited love. Through its vivid imagery and metaphors, the song captures the frustration, desire, and vulnerability that accompany such an experience, making it relatable to listeners who have faced similar situations in their own lives.
