Closest thing to Closure
Shaylen Lyrics

Shaylen's song "Closest Thing to Closure" dives deep into the emotional aftermath of a relationship, exploring themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, and the struggle for healing. The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire piece—immediately, the listener senses an internal conflict. The singer reflects on their attempts to distance themselves from their ex-partner, symbolized by taking a break from drinking, yet finds themselves haunted by memories—"I taste you when I smell tequila." This line paints a vivid picture of how certain smells and triggers can evoke profound memories of love lost. The imagery of the new apartment being "haunted" further amplifies this sentiment; it implies that despite physical change, emotional ghosts linger, making it impossible to escape the past entirely.

Through the next verses, the lyrics portray an ongoing struggle with moving on. The singer's contemplation of whether they would answer a call from their ex highlights a conflict between wanting closure and the fear of reopening old wounds. There is a sense of yearning for normalcy, where interactions and moments that once brought joy now serve as painful reminders. Questions like "Am I ever gonna get to get drunk downtown / And hear our song and not break down?" articulate this longing; it speaks to the hope for a future unclouded by memories of their former lover. The duality of wanting to heal while still being tethered to the past illustrates the complexity of heartbreak, revealing a journey that is not linear but fraught with setbacks and longing.

As the lyrics progress, we see the singer grappling with small mementos of their relationship, such as the t-shirt that still holds emotional weight despite being tucked away. This serves as a metaphor for the remnants of love that continue to linger, indicating that the act of physically removing reminders can be easier than erasing emotional connections. The mention of the ex's mother still reaching out adds another layer, emphasizing the entanglement of lives even after romantic ties have ended. It suggests that the lingering feelings are not just personal but resonate with the families involved, complicating the process of closure further. The desire to avoid places that hold shared memories, symbolized by the "back road / Where we first kissed," illustrates how certain experiences become tainted by heartbreak, making it difficult for the singer to navigate spaces that provoke memories of their past relationship.

The final verses culminate in an acceptance that healing is a gradual process. The singer expresses a sense of ambivalence towards their healing journey—while they’ve made significant strides by quitting drinking, they confront the reality that feelings cannot be so easily dismissed or eradicated. The line "Hearts never heal but I think mine's healin’" speaks to the complicated nature of emotional recovery. It encapsulates the central theme of the song: the struggle to find closure in the aftermath of love. The repeated refrain of seeking "the closest thing to closure" encapsulates the essence of moving forward with the understanding that complete closure may never be attainable, but one can strive for a sense of peace and acceptance as they navigate the aftermath of love lost. Ultimately, Shaylen's lyrics resonate with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of heartbreak and the multifaceted journey toward emotional healing.