Songs

B.J. Thomas's song 'Songs' delves into the complexities of human relationships and the solace found in music. The lyrics express a sense of disillusionment with people, highlighting the difficulty in understanding others. Thomas sings about the inconsistency between what people say and what they mean, creating a sense of mistrust and confusion. This sentiment is encapsulated in the lines, 'They don't mean the things they say / Or say the things they mean,' suggesting a world where genuine communication is rare and elusive.

In contrast to the unreliable nature of human interactions, Thomas finds comfort in songs. He describes music as a constant and dependable companion that fills the void left by fleeting human connections. The lyrics, 'Songs make such easy friends / All you do is sing along,' emphasize the simplicity and reliability of music. Unlike people, songs never change their tune and are always there to provide solace during lonely moments. This juxtaposition between the unpredictability of people and the steadfastness of music underscores the song's central theme.

The song also touches on the transient nature of life, where people are always moving on, making it hard to form lasting connections. Thomas laments, 'We pass through each other's lives / Then fade into the past,' capturing the ephemeral quality of human relationships. Yet, amidst this impermanence, songs remain a constant source of comfort and familiarity. Whether it's 'old songs, new songs, bright songs, blue songs,' music offers a sense of stability and connection that is often missing in human interactions. Through 'Songs,' B.J. Thomas beautifully articulates the enduring power of music to provide companionship and understanding in a world that often feels confusing and unreliable.