Song meaning of With You by Tom Misch (Ft. Carmody)

The song "With You" by Tom Misch ft. Carmody explores the ever-changing nature of relationships and the fleeting nature of love. The lyrics continually ask "For how long?" suggesting a sense of uncertainty and impermanence. 

The song begins by describing the sense of security and unity that comes with being with someone. The line "With you I am harbor" indicates a feeling of safety and comfort. The absence of distance and division implies a deep connection with the person. However, the repeated question "For how long?" suggests that this unity may not last forever.

The chorus highlights the difficulty of holding onto love. It acknowledges the desire to preserve what is known and comfortable, but recognizes the challenges that love presents. The phrase "love's so hard to hold" speaks to the fragile nature of relationships.

The second verse delves into the vulnerability and emotional investment that comes with love. The tower metaphor suggests building something strong and enduring, but it ultimately crumbles, symbolizing the inevitable collapse of the relationship. The absence of the person's presence causes the narrator's voice to falter, emphasizing the impact of their absence.

The repeated lines in the outro further emphasize the longing and closeness the narrator once felt with the person, but also allude to the inevitability of falling out of their embrace.

Overall, the lyrics of "With You" convey a message of transience and the struggle to maintain love in the face of its ephemeral nature. The song explores the complexities and uncertainties of relationships, leaving the listener with a bittersweet understanding of the fleeting nature of love.