Bones

Keenan Te's song "Bones" delves into the emotional turmoil and lingering pain of a broken relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone struggling to move on from a past love, haunted by memories and the remnants of what once was. The act of deleting pictures from the phone symbolizes an attempt to erase the past, yet the persistent voices in the protagonist's head serve as a reminder of the emotional scars left behind. The metaphor of being "jealous of the cigarettes" suggests a longing for the intimacy and closeness that has been lost, while the imagery of things going "up in smoke" captures the sudden and irreversible nature of the breakup.

The chorus reveals a deep sense of betrayal and self-reflection. The protagonist wishes to direct their pain outward, to hate or blame someone else, but ultimately acknowledges their own role in allowing their hopes to rise too high. The line "You broke me like a promise" conveys the depth of the emotional wound, likening it to a breach of trust. Despite the desire to move on, the person remains "in my bones," indicating that the memories and feelings are deeply ingrained and difficult to shake off.

Throughout the song, there is a struggle between denial and acceptance. The protagonist tries to convince themselves that they don't care, yet they are unable to let go of the past. The imagery of sleeping on one side of the bed and avoiding the space left by the former partner highlights the physical and emotional void that remains. The dance with the "ghost of what it was" suggests a haunting presence, a reminder of the love that once filled their life. Ultimately, "Bones" captures the raw and painful process of coming to terms with a love that lingers long after it has ended.