Fade
Kathryn Williams Lyrics

In Kathryn Williams's song, "Fade," the lyrics depict a sense of detachment and letting go of a past relationship. The opening line, "Fade into the distance, paler and paler," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is acknowledging that their ex-partner is slowly becoming a memory, fading away from their present reality. The use of the phrase "fade into the wallpaper" is a clever metaphor for this detachment - when the singer is not looking at the memory of their partner, it slowly fades into the background, blending in with the surroundings.

As the song progresses, the singer further explains how the more they try to remember their ex-partner, the less it hurts inside. There's a sense of relief in being able to let go, and the singer compares it to "cool fresh air after summer sunlight." It's a refreshing change, a break from the emotional pain they previously felt.

The second half of the song takes a more reflective turn. The singer acknowledges that their ex-partner was once an important part of their life, but now that's no longer the case. They compare their ex-partner to a backdoor key, something that was once useful, but now is no longer needed. The singer also notes that they may have "teased" their ex-partner, perhaps leading them on in some way. But the singer is ultimately comfortable with who they are, and they find it attractive when someone is unguarded and unaware of being watched.

Overall, "Fade" is a poignant, introspective song about the process of moving on from past relationships. The lyrics use clever metaphors to convey a sense of detachment and letting go.