Unwritable Girl
Isakov Gregory Alan Lyrics

In "Unwritable Girl," Gregory Alan Isakov traverses the elusive nature of love and memory. He desires to capture his feelings for the unwritable girl who resides in his hand while acknowledging the difficulty of encapsulating a relationship's complexities. The opening verse introduces her as an ephemeral presence but simultaneously demonstrates her significance in his life. The unwritable girl provides him with a touchstone in a world that feels transient and fleeting. He compares her absence to being dead or living in a ghost town, emphasizing the void she leaves when she is not present. However, when she returns, it's like watching the world transform from black and white to color, a nod to the technicolor revolution that took place in the film industry in the 20th century.

As the song progresses, Isakov meditates on his inability to capture the essence of their relationship. He tries to "run my little miles/Stumble over my sin," but despite his efforts, he recognizes that their love exists in a dream-like state, elusive and intangible, but still very real to him. Even though he cannot define it, he still finds comfort in her steadfastness. Isakov describes the unwritable girl as "still, bright, and quiet in the heart of it," emphasizing her unwavering presence even in the storm of confusion that surrounds their love.

Overall, "Unwritable Girl" is a unique song that explores the complexities of love. The unreliable nature of memory and the difficulty of translating emotions into language are two primary themes that run throughout the song. Additionally, Isakov's use of metaphors, such as the comparison of the girl's absence to a ghost town, or her return to the advent of color television, creates a vivid imagery that complements the song's melancholic feeling.