This song means a lot to me. I have seen lots of people say the meaning to them is not having the courage to tell someone how you feel about them. And I hear that too.
What I really feel this song is about though is contemplating suicide.
I feel close
Well, maybe I'm not, heaven knows
It's a spotlight stuck on the ceiling
Why are these the things that I'm feeling?
The spotlight on the ceiling is where the rope would hang. Heaven is the spotlight he sees.
But hearing that one person's voice, he doesn't feel so alone. He talks about his problems, asks if what he is feeling is real. But when it's his turn to be a good friend back, he can't focus, doesn't listen well, is stuck in his own head. He likes hearing their voice, sure, but he isn't actually listening.
Voice so low
Sneaking around, so it goes
I always try my best to listen
Picking up things that I can fidget
Circle speed, pacing around, watching my feet
Batteries drain, I get the memo
I think that I might have to let you go
He's pacing in circles as they speak, not able to sit still, not actively listening to them. When they realize this, they make the excuse of their battery dying on their phone. He knows he has fucked up and is losing someone. But it's still them that brings him comfort.
Don't go, don't go so easy
Don't go, don't go and leave me
He knows that it's probably over, that the person he has depended on is hurt by him and has to leave. But it's for the best for them.
It really is a sad song to me. I can relate to it from both perspectives. Even if this interpretation isn't right, the song still holds a special place in my heart. Dayglow is amazing.
