Chamomile

In 'Chamomile,' What We Lost delves into the profound anguish and emotional turmoil that follows a devastating breakup. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of sleepless nights and relentless heartache, as the protagonist grapples with the haunting memories of a past lover. The opening lines, 'A wakeful night spent on these sheets / I am dragged by your reflection,' set the tone for a narrative steeped in sorrow and regret. The protagonist's plea for sleep and the longing for the days when love was reciprocated highlight the depth of their emotional suffering.

The song explores themes of betrayal and self-loathing, as evidenced by lines like 'I hate myself more than I love you / I hate myself ‘cause I trusted you.' This intense self-reproach underscores the internal conflict and the struggle to come to terms with the loss. The imagery of crying blood and praying to God for the lover's return further emphasizes the desperation and helplessness felt by the protagonist. The juxtaposition of the lover finding peace in the protagonist's decay adds a layer of bitterness and irony to the narrative.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the transformation they underwent in a futile attempt to keep the relationship intact. 'I became something I never wanted to be / To make you stay' speaks to the sacrifices and changes made in the name of love, only to be met with abandonment. The recurring motif of ruin and death symbolizes the emotional and psychological toll of the breakup. The closing lines, 'Tell me you’ll stay and choke this pain / (Now tear my heart one more time and watch me die),' encapsulate the lingering pain and the yearning for closure, even if it means enduring more heartache. 'Chamomile' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring scars left behind.