Phantom
Air Traffic Controller Lyrics

The lyrics of "Phantom" by Air Traffic Controller are about a doomed relationship. The opening lines convey a sense of trust and belief, but the line "walls within the mess we're in is unforgiving" hints at underlying issues that will come to light. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the singer's attempts to communicate are stifled, leaving them feeling hollow and haunted. The repeated refrain of "I go phantom" suggests that the singer is disappearing, becoming less present, and less tangible.

The second verse introduces a new layer of meaning. The phrase "applied the perfect pressure" seems to refer to an external force that is putting pressure on the relationship. This metaphor is deepened by the comparison to "ripples in the water of a puddle" - something small that quickly becomes disruptive. Despite this pressure, the singer still wishes they could know the other person better. However, it's clear that the relationship is doomed - "some are here to disappear some ties are meant to sever." The final verse echoes the first, with the same sense of failed communication and a feeling of being suffocated.

Overall, "Phantom" is a haunting song about love and loss. It explores the ways in which relationships can falter despite our best efforts, and how we can feel lost and disconnected when they do. The repeated refrain of "I go phantom" is particularly evocative, conveying a feeling of fading away.