To The End

Blur's 'To The End' is a poignant exploration of a relationship that has endured through trials and tribulations, reaching a point of reflection and possible conclusion. The song's lyrics oscillate between English and French, with phrases like 'Jusqu'à la fin' (until the end) and 'En plein soleil' (in broad daylight), adding a touch of romanticism and emphasizing the theme of enduring love. The repetition of these phrases suggests a cyclical pattern in the relationship, one that is both enduring and exhausting.

The song speaks to the weariness that can come from a long-term relationship, where 'dirty words' and excessive drinking are symptomatic of deeper issues. The lovers seem to have lost the ability to communicate effectively, 'neither of us mean what we say,' indicating a disconnect that is both emotional and verbal. Despite this, there is a sense of accomplishment, a feeling that they have 'collapsed in love' and somehow made it through the worst of times. This collapse is not necessarily negative; it implies a surrender to the relationship, a falling into each other that is both destructive and beautiful.

The use of 'collapsed' suggests a structure that has given way under pressure, yet the song's tone is not entirely defeatist. There is a triumph in having made it 'to the end,' whether that end is the conclusion of the relationship or the overcoming of obstacles within it. The song captures the complexity of love, the intertwining of pain and joy, and the resilience required to reach the end, whatever that may entail. Blur, known for their Britpop sound and introspective lyrics, encapsulates the bittersweet nature of love's journey in this track.