Meaning of "Apartment" by Young The Giant

The lyrics of "Apartment" convey a mix of emotions associated with a fading relationship. The opening line, "After leaving my apartment, I feel this cold inside me," sets the tone for the song. The apartment symbolizes a place of comfort and familiarity, and leaving it creates a void within the speaker. The coldness they feel represents the emotional emptiness and loneliness that follows the end of a relationship. It is a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil they experience.

The speaker mentions howls and the market, signifying the external world that they now navigate alone. Unlike before, where they had their significant other by their side, they are now left to face the world on their own. The repetition of the phrase "Oh, oh" adds to the sense of longing and sadness, highlighting the speaker's desire for connection and understanding.

The line "You carved a boat to sail my shadow, now I walk alone" reveals the significant other's role in the speaker's life. The boat symbolizes the support and guidance the significant other provided to the speaker, helping them navigate their insecurities and fears (represented by the shadow). Without this person, they are now forced to confront their flaws and vulnerabilities alone.

The chorus expresses the struggle of trying to hold onto something that is falling apart. The line "Caught in a wrinkle when things are fallin' apart" portrays the speaker's desperate attempt to salvage the relationship, even when they know it is bound to end. The repetition of "Alright, alright" demonstrates a sense of resignation and acceptance of the inevitable.

The second verse continues the theme of yearning and longing for the past. The speaker recalls leaving the significant other's apartment and heading towards the coast. The nightfall symbolizes the darkness and uncertainty they face without the comfort of the relationship. They express a desire to keep the other person in their dreams, emphasizing their longing for the connection and understanding that they once had.

The line "Yes sir, it shows, I was no good" suggests a realization of their own shortcomings within the relationship. The speaker acknowledges their faults and the role they played in the deterioration. This self-awareness adds depth to the song, showing the complexity of human relationships and the understanding that sometimes things cannot be fixed.

Overall, "Apartment" delves into the emotional aftermath of a failing relationship. It explores the feelings of loneliness, longing, and self-reflection that come with the end of a significant connection. The song captures the universal experience of heartbreak and the struggle to find meaning and healing in its aftermath.