Meaning of "I Thought I Held You" by Wilco

The lyrics of "I Thought I Held You" by Wilco reflect the heartache and disillusionment that often comes with unrequited love. The comparison of the speaker to the sky and the other person to the moon evokes a sense of distance and unattainability. The repeated refrain of "I thought I held you" conveys a poignant sense of loss and betrayal, as the speaker realizes that the connection they thought they had was never truly mutual. The reference to being a songwriter who has run out of metaphors suggests a sense of creative limitation and emotional exhaustion caused by this unfulfilled relationship. Overall, the lyrics capture the bittersweet realization of holding onto someone who is not truly present, and the pain of coming to terms with an unreciprocated love.