Touch

Cigarettes After Sex is known for their ethereal and dreamy soundscapes, often paired with introspective and emotionally charged lyrics. 'Touch' is no exception, as it delves into the complexities of a relationship that is both intoxicating and painful. The song's narrative seems to revolve around the protagonist's deep longing and emotional turmoil following a relationship that has changed or possibly ended.

The lyrics of 'Touch' paint a picture of someone who is trying to cope with their feelings of sadness and loneliness. The repeated lines 'It’s leading me on / Every time we touch / Leading me on / Every time it hurts' suggest a cycle of hope and hurt, where physical intimacy brings temporary solace but ultimately leads to more pain. This could be interpreted as the protagonist being unable to let go, despite knowing that the relationship is causing them suffering. The mention of 'missing you only / Ever since we fell in love' reinforces the idea that the emotional connection has left a void that cannot be easily filled.

The song also touches on darker themes, such as substance abuse, with the line 'And I watched you do a line / That you spread out on the table.' This could symbolize the destructive behaviors that sometimes accompany troubled relationships, or it might be a metaphor for the addictive nature of the love they are experiencing. The raw vulnerability of the lyrics, combined with the haunting melody, creates a poignant and relatable narrative for anyone who has experienced the bittersweet nature of love and loss.