Flickers

London Grammar's 'Flickers' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory, longing, and the passage of time. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both physical and emotional, through a landscape that is cold, wet, and challenging. The 'desire paths' mentioned in the song symbolize the shortcuts or easier routes we might be tempted to take in life, but the singer acknowledges that the path they are on is difficult and solitary. This reflects the universal human experience of facing hardships and the instinct to sometimes walk alone to find one's way.

The recurring imagery of a flickering memory is central to the song's emotional core. The lines 'And everytime I go to bed / An image of you flickers in my head' and 'An image of you flows in my dream' suggest a deep, persistent longing for someone who is no longer present. This person haunts the singer's thoughts and dreams, indicating a profound emotional impact. The repetition of the word 'flickers' emphasizes the fleeting, yet persistent nature of these memories, much like a candle that refuses to go out despite the wind.

The song also touches on the physical toll of this emotional journey. The singer's 'skin is hurting' and they 'cannot feel [their] feet anymore,' which could be interpreted as the exhaustion and numbness that come from enduring prolonged emotional pain. Despite the hope for a calm life, the reality is that the path is often hard and filled with challenges. This duality of hope and hardship is a poignant reminder of the resilience required to navigate life's complexities.