Sound & Color

Alabama Shakes' 'Sound & Color' is a soulful exploration of sensory experiences and the desire for a deeper connection with life. The song opens with the imagery of a 'new world' that is both 'beautiful and strange,' suggesting a sense of discovery and the unknown. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for new experiences or perspectives that challenge the protagonist's current understanding of the world. The repeated phrase 'Sound and color with me for my mind' emphasizes the importance of these sensory elements in shaping one's thoughts and emotions. The lyrics seem to convey a longing for authenticity and a more vibrant, meaningful existence.

The chorus, with its mantra-like repetition of 'Sound and color,' reinforces the theme of seeking a life that is fully felt and experienced, beyond the mundane. The line 'This life ain't like a book' suggests that life cannot be scripted or predicted; it must be lived and engaged with directly. The desire to 'touch a human being' and the reluctance 'to go back to sleep' speak to a yearning for genuine human connection and an awakened state of being, where one is fully present and alive.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and a call to embrace life's full spectrum of emotions and experiences. The concluding lines, where 'life is' and 'love is' are followed by 'Sound and color,' imply that life and love are as rich and varied as the sounds and colors that fill our world. The song, therefore, becomes an anthem for those who seek to break free from the grayscale of routine and find the vivid hues of a life lived with passion and awareness.