Meaning of "The Art of Eye Contact" by Too Close To Touch

"The Art of Eye Contact" delves into the complexities of a relationship where the speaker feels a deep sense of disconnection and emptiness, despite being physically close to their partner. The repetitive phrase "We drift away" underscores the theme of drifting apart and the growing distance between the two individuals. The lyrics suggest that the speaker wonders if they are truly what their partner needs, as they feel a sense of hollowness within themselves.

The line "When I hold you in I feel as if there's less of me" highlights the speaker's feeling of being diminished or losing a part of themselves when they are in this relationship. The couple engages in moments of silence and exchange of gazes, but there is an underlying sense that something vital remains unspoken, as if the connection between them is absent or broken.

The fear of leaving too late is also contemplated in the lyrics. The speaker ponders whether they would miss their partner if they were to leave now, and whether the partner would grow to hate them for their departure. This fear reveals the speaker's inner conflict, their desire to break free from the disconnect they feel while simultaneously longing for their partner's acceptance and affection.

The chorus emphasizes the speaker's plea for their partner to stop them from moving forward and to keep them from the fears that haunt them. They recognize that their partner knows the truth of their inner struggles and vulnerabilities. The line "You can have whatever soul is left" suggests a willingness to sacrifice themselves to maintain the relationship, even if it means giving up the last remnants of their own identity and well-being.

The lyrics also touch upon the repetitive nature of their relationship. The line "But I'll lay here in bed with my heart in my hand till you're just as tired as me" portrays a cycle of the speaker waiting for their partner to feel the same exhaustion or disconnection that they do. Despite the repeating pattern, the speaker declares that they will stay, accepting the transient nature of their connection.

In essence, "The Art of Eye Contact" delves into the complexities of a relationship marked by disconnection, the fear of leaving too late, and the willingness to sacrifice oneself for the other person. It reflects on the longing for a deeper connection and the struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of emotional emptiness.