Music has a unique power to touch our hearts and souls, often conveying emotions and stories that resonate with listeners on a profound level. Catfish and the Bottlemen’s song “Outside” is no exception, with its catchy melody and enigmatic lyrics that leave fans pondering its deeper meaning. In this article, we’ll delve into the essence of “Outside” by examining its lyrics and decoding the message hidden within.
The song opens with a sense of anticipation and longing, as the narrator reflects on a period of separation. The lines, “We let them knock like crazy ’cause I’d not seen her in months,” convey a palpable eagerness to reconnect with someone significant. This sentiment sets the stage for a narrative that revolves around the complexities of a relationship.
As we progress through the song, we encounter phrases like “I know I’ve pushed boundaries sometimes, but she knows she’s worse,” hinting at a turbulent connection. The narrator acknowledges their own shortcomings but also recognizes that their counterpart is equally flawed. This acknowledgment of imperfection adds depth to the lyrics, portraying a relationship characterized by both passion and struggles.
“I just came along for the ride,” suggests a sense of surrender to the irresistible pull of the relationship. Despite attempts to distance themselves, the narrator is unable to resist their partner’s allure. The mention of a flight and the plea for company underscore the idea that this connection is hard to resist and may involve long-distance elements.
“Tell your sister to wait,” a seemingly simple line, may imply the need to prioritize the relationship over other commitments, perhaps indicating the intensity of the feelings involved.
As the song progresses, the chorus introduces a significant theme. The repeated refrain, “Cause there’s nothing in the life I knew that got through to me, but when you talk about nothing, you tend to lose me,” suggests a sense of disillusionment with superficial conversations. The narrator craves a deeper connection, and when discussions lack substance, they feel disconnected from their partner.
The line, “I used to carry you through town, you used to smother me in lippy,” paints a vivid picture of the past when the relationship was different. These nostalgic moments may represent a longing for the way things used to be, highlighting the evolution of the connection over time.
Finally, the phrase, “Now if we ever get an hour together, it’s like I’m on the outside,” encapsulates the overarching sentiment of the song. Despite being physically present, the narrator feels emotionally distant or estranged from their partner. This feeling of being on the “outside” reflects the central theme of the song – the struggle to bridge the emotional gap within the relationship.
In conclusion, “Outside” by Catfish and the Bottlemen is a song that navigates the intricacies of a complicated relationship. Its lyrics offer a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster of love, longing, and frustration. While the meaning of the song may be open to interpretation, it undeniably explores the theme of disconnection within a relationship, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced the challenges of love and longing.
