Lemon Boy

Cavetown's 'Lemon Boy' is a song that weaves a narrative around an unusual character, Lemon Boy, who represents the quirks and imperfections that everyone has. The artist, Cavetown, is known for his gentle indie-pop sound and introspective lyrics, often dealing with themes of mental health, identity, and the struggles of growing up. In 'Lemon Boy', these themes are presented through the metaphor of a lemon - a fruit that is often associated with bitterness.

The song starts with the narrator describing how Lemon Boy initially seemed like an unwanted presence, much like a weed in a garden. However, instead of getting rid of him, the narrator decides to coexist with Lemon Boy. This can be seen as a metaphor for accepting one's own flaws or the less desirable traits of others. As the song progresses, the narrator and Lemon Boy develop a symbiotic relationship, highlighting the importance of kindness and acceptance. The mention of 'mowing the lawn in bad weather' suggests that they support each other through difficult times.

The latter part of the song delves into the fear of losing Lemon Boy, which could symbolize the fear of losing one's unique traits or a significant, albeit unconventional, friendship. References to environmental catastrophes, like whales beaching themselves, may imply that the loss of individuality or the breakdown of relationships is a natural, albeit unfortunate, part of life. The song concludes on a note of solidarity, with the narrator identifying with Lemon Boy, suggesting that embracing one's own bitterness or peculiarities can lead to a sense of belonging and camaraderie.