Signs
Ben William Lyrics

The lyrics of Ben William's song "Signs" delve into the theme of memory, promises, and personal growth. The opening lines, "I'm afraid to remember / Because that means I forgot / And that's something I promised / That I would not," hint at a reluctance to confront past experiences, possibly due to the fear of losing the memory itself. It suggests a personal promise to oneself to hold onto memories but also indicates the singer's struggle with keeping that promise.

The mention of Reno and the statement "I've been to Reno / More than a couple of times" could suggest a metaphorical representation of being in a place of emotional turmoil or conflict repeatedly. The line "We had more than a couple fights / I booked more than a couple flights" further alludes to a turbulent relationship, highlighting a pattern of discord and the singer's escape from it through physical departures.

The lines "I won't go to Van / I won't go to West 4th / Yeah, I'm haunted by these street signs / They tell me all that they're worth" could convey the singer's decision to avoid certain places, possibly because they trigger painful memories or serve as reminders of past mistakes. The haunting reference suggests the lingering effects of these experiences and how the street signs symbolize the weight of the memories they hold.

The closing lines, "I thought that you might talk me out of my doubts / Well, I'm proud and sad to say / I know better now," indicate a shift in perspective and personal growth. It implies that the singer had once relied on someone else to alleviate their doubts but has since realized the need to overcome them independently. This realization, though bittersweet, represents an important step towards self-awareness and learning from past experiences.