A Forest

The song 'A Forest' by The Cure is a haunting track that delves into the themes of obsession, the pursuit of the unattainable, and the feeling of being lost. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is enticed to enter a dark forest in search of a girl. The forest here can be interpreted as a metaphor for the subconscious mind or a representation of a quest for something elusive or unachievable.

As the protagonist of the song hears a voice calling and runs deeper into the woods, the repetition of 'Into the trees' emphasizes a sense of urgency and a descent into confusion or madness. The forest becomes a place of no return, symbolizing the character's entrapment in his own desires or perhaps the human condition of chasing after illusions. The line 'The girl was never there' reveals the futility of the search, suggesting that the object of desire might have been a mirage or a figment of the imagination all along.

The Cure is known for their post-punk and gothic rock sound, often exploring themes of melancholy, existential angst, and romantic despair. 'A Forest' fits within this tradition, using the imagery of a dark, endless forest to evoke feelings of isolation and the endless pursuit of something that may not even exist. The song's atmospheric and moody instrumentation complements the lyrical content, creating a sense of mystery and introspection.