Song meaning of Ophelia by The Lumineers

The song "Ophelia" by The Lumineers paints a picture of a one-sided and unrequited love. The lyrics suggest a sense of regret and self-awareness, as the protagonist reflects on their younger self and the mistakes they made. They acknowledge the lack of reciprocation and seemingly emotionless nature of their current relationship.

The recurring mention of Ophelia alludes to Shakespeare's character from Hamlet, who ultimately meets a tragic end due to unrequited love. Ophelia symbolizes the object of affection and serves as a metaphor for the unattainable nature of love. The line "Heaven help the fool who falls in love" further emphasizes the theme of unrequited love and the potential pain associated with it.

The protagonist mentions having a new girlfriend who seems to fulfill their desires, but they detach themselves emotionally, indicating their inability to fully commit due to lingering thoughts of Ophelia. The line "I don't feel nothing at all, and you can't feel nothing small" reflects the emotional numbness and lack of connection in their current relationship.

Overall, the song delves into themes of unrequited love, regret, and the struggle to move on. It serves as a reminder of the pain and consequences that can come from falling for someone who cannot reciprocate those feelings.