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Flash Photographs
Trouble Over Tokyo Lyrics
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Casting sideways glances over my shoulder
Since you said
"Can't you see it's over? Can't you? Can't you see it's over?
'Cause since we returned to base nothing's been the same
And, and
Can't you see we're turning? Can't you? Can't you see we're turning?
And though our hearts are burning we have lost the flame"
Flash photographs cannot compare to anything we had
Detailed betrayals of affairs
Cannot break it
Internal muscles that can tear our world apart
Do
Checking pulses and using mirrors under noses
Glaring gulfs get bigger every time we look away
And nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
'Cause since you replaced the face it is not the same watch
And, and,
Pressure points and gauges are cracking as the dark below gives
And though we recognize it, it is not the same
Flash photographs cannot compare to anything we had
Detailed betrayals or affairs
Cannot break it
Internal muscles that can tear our world apart
Please tell me that our love was not simply flash photographs
The opening lines of Trouble Over Tokyo's song "Flash Photographs" describe the deceiving nature of putting on a façade of self-control while experiencing a crumbling relationship. The singer is casting sideways glances over their shoulder, aware that their partner has said it's over but unable to fully accept it. Since they returned to base, nothing has been the same and they're turning, their hearts burning though they've lost the flame. The imagery of turning and burning suggests a feeling of spinning out of control and the internal fire of passion dying out. The chorus then laments how flash photographs cannot compare to the real thing, and despite detailed betrayals and the risk of tearing their world apart, they hope that their love was not just a fleeting moment captured on film.
The second verse of the song takes a darker turn as the singer checks pulses and uses mirrors, suggesting they are either a healthcare provider or someone checking for signs of life in their dying relationship. The glares between the two of them get bigger every time they look away, indicating that communication and intimacy are breaking down. And yet, nothing ever changes. The face has been replaced but the watch is not the same, suggesting that the surface-level details may have shifted, but the underlying problems remain. Finally, the verse ends with the pressure points and gauges cracking as the dark below gives, ominously pointing to an impending collapse of the relationship.
Overall, "Flash Photographs" is a poignant and evocative exploration of a relationship that is falling apart, set to a dreamy and floaty melody. The lyrics are open to interpretation and could reflect a range of experiences, from a romantic partnership to a platonic or professional one. Some key takeaways include the importance of open communication, recognizing signs of trouble, and not settling for a relationship that's merely a façade.
Line by Line Meaning
Fake instances of self control can be deceiving
False displays of control are not always truthful
Casting sideways glances over my shoulder
Looking around with suspicion
Since you said "Can't you see it's over? Can't you? Can't you see it's over?"
Since you ended the relationship and said it's over
'Cause since we returned to base nothing's been the same
Things have not been the same since we broke up
And though our hearts are burning we have lost the flame"
We still feel intense emotions but our love has faded
Flash photographs cannot compare to anything we had
Memories captured on camera do not compare to our past relationship
Detailed betrayals of affairs cannot break it
Specific instances of infidelity cannot destroy our love
Internal muscles that can tear our world apart
Deep emotions that can destroy us
Checking pulses and using mirrors under noses
Looking for signs of life and checking for breath
Glaring gulfs get bigger every time we look away
The divide between us grows when we avoid confronting our issues
And nothing ever changes, nothing ever changes
Our problems persist and nothing improves
'Cause since you replaced the face it is not the same watch
Since you moved on to someone else, everything feels different
Pressure points and gauges are cracking as the dark below gives
Our relationship is breaking down as our emotions become too much to handle
And though we recognize it, it is not the same
Despite acknowledging the issues, things are not the way they used to be
Please tell me that our love was not simply flash photographs
Please assure me that our love was more than just fleeting moments captured on camera
Contributed by Mateo J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.