“Rushing Back” by Flume featuring Vera Blue is a song that explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics delve into the emotions associated with looking back on one’s past, the decisions made, and the experiences that have shaped the present. The song’s recurring phrase “And it all comes rushing back” captures the feeling of memories and emotions flooding the mind.

Here’s a deeper analysis of the lyrics:

1. Nostalgia and Regret: The lyrics begin by expressing regret about letting time slip away and not making decisions. The line “I always let the days slip away, I should have been making up my mind” suggests a sense of missed opportunities and indecision. This regret is a common theme in the song, as the narrator reflects on choices made in the past.
2. Yearning for the Past: The narrator dreams about going back and keeping things they left behind. This yearning for the past and the desire to hold onto what’s lost is a central theme. However, the realization that “you can’t change the past” speaks to the inevitability of time passing and the inability to rewrite history.
3. Inevitability of Change: The lyrics highlight that the narrator was “way too young to know the reason why.” This suggests that certain decisions were made without a full understanding of their consequences. It reflects the idea that youth often comes with naivety and a lack of perspective on the future.
4. Memories and Reflection: The imagery of looking at old pictures on the floor and feeling the weight of memories serves as a metaphor for reflecting on the past. The mention of “all the eyes I have looked into” and “the stages and the love” emphasizes the depth and variety of experiences that contribute to the rush of memories.
5. Time’s Influence: The idea of time’s passage is further emphasized by lines like “running out of time” and “faster than it ever has before.” Time is portrayed as a force that influences the narrator’s actions and emotions, propelling them forward.
6. Physical and Emotional Urgency: The lyrics also incorporate physical sensations, like the gravity pulling faster and the rush of nicotine. These elements add an urgent and visceral layer to the song, connecting the emotional turmoil with physical sensations.
7. Collaborative Aspect: The song features the collaboration of Flume and Vera Blue, and their voices intertwine to convey the shared emotions and experiences depicted in the lyrics. This collaboration adds depth and complexity to the song’s storytelling.

In summary, “Rushing Back” captures the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics evoke a sense of introspection as the narrator reflects on past decisions and experiences, all the while realizing that the past cannot be changed. The repetition of the phrase “And it all comes rushing back” emphasizes the overwhelming and unavoidable nature of these memories and emotions.