Beautiful Things Are Better Left Dead

April's Love Affair's song "Beautiful Things Are Better Left Dead" delves into the tumultuous emotions that accompany heartbreak and betrayal. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who seeks solace in alcohol to numb the pain of deceit and lost love. The recurring request for "another round" from the barkeep symbolizes a desperate attempt to drown out the bitterness left by a "fair-weather skirt," a metaphor for a fleeting and unfaithful lover. This imagery of deceit and vinegar highlights the sour aftertaste of a relationship gone awry.

The song's narrative unfolds on "Sunday the 1st," a day that seems to mark a new beginning or a resolution to move past the hurt. The protagonist swears on a "fifth," likely referring to a bottle of alcohol, to cleanse themselves of the metaphorical blood, or emotional wounds, from the day "when beautiful things die." This line suggests that the end of a relationship, once beautiful, is akin to a death, leaving behind a trail of destruction and sorrow. The mention of "destruction blooms" and "lovely red lips" evokes a sense of beauty intertwined with chaos, further emphasizing the duality of love and pain.

The song also touches on the futility of seeking love at "the bottom of a bottle," a common trope in songs about heartbreak. This acknowledgment of the ineffectiveness of alcohol as a remedy for emotional pain adds depth to the protagonist's struggle. The raw emotion is palpable in the line "Where did you hide my fucking heart?" which conveys a sense of betrayal and loss. Ultimately, the song captures the essence of heartbreak, illustrating the complex interplay between love, loss, and the coping mechanisms we employ to navigate these emotions.