Northern Lights
American Aquarium Lyrics

The lyrics of American Aquarium's song "Northern Lights" express a sense of transience and a fear of attachment. The singer identifies themselves as a passing ship in the dark, suggesting that they never stay until morning because it makes leaving too difficult. This could imply a fear of commitment or a tendency to avoid emotional closeness.

The second line reveals that the singer has a pattern of breaking young girls' hearts, highlighting a behavior that they seem to regret. The phrase "It ain't no fun when your heart's the one that starts falling apart" suggests that the singer has experienced the pain of heartbreak themselves, and this awareness creates a sense of empathy.

The chorus, "So when the day turns to night, and the path is hard to find, won't you be my northern light," expresses a desire for someone to guide them during difficult times. The metaphor of the northern lights symbolizes hope, illumination, and guidance. The singer is seeking stability and support, asking this person to be their beacon of light during uncertain moments.

The next verse reflects the singer's tendency to sabotage their own happiness. They claim to have found a way to lose anything they have ever loved and to always find an excuse for anything they have ever lost. This highlights a self-destructive pattern, possibly driven by fear or a lack of confidence.

The plea to "don't give up on me babe, if it's the last thing you do" reveals the singer's desperate desire for someone to stick around and not abandon them. They refer to this person as the "only thing I'm holding on to," indicating that they fear losing this connection. This emphasizes their need for emotional support and stability.

The final lines express exhaustion and a longing for change. The singer is tired of running away and tired of bringing their partner down. They hold onto hope that there is a way to turn the metaphorical ship around and find a positive direction in their relationship. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes their plea for someone to be their northern light, their source of guidance and clarity in the darkness.

Overall, "Northern Lights" portrays a complex and conflicted narrator who struggles with commitment, fears abandonment, and longs for stability. The song hints at personal growth and the possibility for redemption as the singer seeks a change in their pattern of behavior.