​after hours (interlude)

Mark Tuan's 'after hours (interlude)' delves into the complex emotions of solitude, vulnerability, and the facade of happiness. The song opens with the artist reflecting on moments of feeling lost and possibly under the influence, suggesting a state of confusion or escapism. He acknowledges the difficulty of these experiences and the lack of understanding from others, which leads him to find solace in being alone rather than in a crowd. This solitude, however, is not entirely comforting, as he describes feeling stuck and needing time to calm down.

The imagery of a king-sized bed making one feel small after hours, when the curtains fall, symbolizes the overwhelming sense of loneliness that can accompany the end of the day. The bed, typically a place of rest and comfort, becomes a stark reminder of isolation. Tuan's plea for something to change and his acknowledgment of putting on a smile for show highlight the internal struggle between maintaining appearances and dealing with genuine emotions. The recurring theme of feeling the flame suggests an ongoing, burning sense of discomfort or pain.

In the latter part of the song, Tuan questions whether his feelings are wrong and expresses how deeply these emotions impact him. The line 'alone at the end of the party' encapsulates the essence of the song—feeling isolated even in social settings. This sentiment is further emphasized by his desire to feel guarded and heartless, indicating a defense mechanism against the vulnerability that comes with such profound loneliness. 'after hours (interlude)' is a poignant exploration of the dichotomy between external appearances and internal realities, and the struggle to find genuine connection and comfort in solitude.