Birds By the Sea
Banks Lyrics

The lyrics of BANKS's song "Birds By the Sea" convey a complex emotional landscape and explore themes of personal growth, unrequited love, and the realization of missed opportunities. The song begins with the singer expressing how others have always defined them as unchanging, yet there is a sense of determination to prove them wrong. There's an acknowledgment that there is something about the singer that could exceed the expectations and judgments imposed upon them.

The second verse delves deeper into an intimate relationship and the conflicting advice received from others. There's a cautionary warning given, suggesting that getting involved with someone might lead to both victory and defeat in the game of love. It seems as though the singer is aware of the potential risks, but there is also a sense of hope that victory can be achieved by embracing love and diving into the relationship.

The chorus introduces another character, a girl who the love interest now lives with by the sea. This revelation brings a mix of nostalgia and sadness to the singer. The idea of the two of them together was once a possibility and brought to mind images of birds, symbolizing freedom and beauty. However, the love interest never expressed their true self or shared their innermost emotions with the singer through song, leaving an unfulfilled longing.

Moving into the bridge, the singer reflects on their own failure to truly listen and understand the love interest's struggles. They recall how the love interest repeatedly expressed the difficulty of their love and the fear of leaving. These words, which were spoken near the door, should have been indicators of the impending separation but were not fully grasped at the time.

The final repetition of the chorus intensifies the sense of disappointment and missed connections. The love interest never sang for the singer, symbolizing a failure to fully express their true feelings and a missed opportunity for genuine connection. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes the emotional resonance and implies a sense of longing and regret.

Overall, "Birds By the Sea" explores themes of personal reflection, the complexities of love, and the lingering emotions that arise when paths diverge and potential is left unfulfilled. The lyrics hint at the bittersweet realization of missed opportunities and the importance of fully listening and understanding the vulnerabilities and desires of others.