Song meaning of Heat Waves by Glass Animals

The lyrics of the song "Heat Waves" by Glass Animals convey a sense of longing, heartbreak, and personal reflection. The song appears to be about the end of a romantic relationship and the protagonist's struggle to move on.

The intro sets the tone with repetitive phrases and a dreamlike quality, symbolized by the "road shimmer wigglin' the vision" and the "heat waves" that create a distortion. This imagery reflects the protagonist's altered perspective and emotional state after the breakup.

In the chorus, the protagonist admits that "all I think about is you" and reminisces about the late nights they spent together in June. However, they are aware that the "heat waves" have been deceiving them, suggesting that they have been clinging to false hope or idealizing the relationship.

Verse 1 acknowledges the futility of trying to distract oneself from the pain by watching TV, as their reflections on the screen remind them of the lost love. The protagonist recognizes that their partner needs a better life and someone who can give them what they cannot. The "fake water all across the road" represents the tears and emotions that have been shed but have now subsided with the arrival of the night.

Verse 2 reflects the protagonist's acceptance of the inevitable separation. They acknowledge that their partner deserves to be with someone new and expresses their own fear of being alone. The line "You look so broken when you cry" highlights the impact of the breakup on both parties.

The bridge reveals the protagonist's yearning for their partner's happiness. They wonder what dreams and contentment their partner experiences when they smile in their sleep. The protagonist longs to be the source of that happiness, but acknowledges their inability to do so.

Overall, "Heat Waves" portrays the emotional turmoil of a broken heart and the struggle to let go. The lyrics emphasize the protagonist's obsession with their former lover, the pain of their absence, and the realization that they cannot change the situation. It serves as a reflection on the complexities of love and the grief that follows its loss.