The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Carousel" by the artist "Tindersticks"

The song "Carousel" by the British band Tindersticks paints a melancholic and poignant picture of fading love against the backdrop of the metaphor of an old carousel.

The carousel, a symbol of cyclicality and timelessness, becomes an image of departed feelings that, like erased faces and voices, have left only ghostly memories. The phrase "Time has erased the faces, the voices, the broken, creaking carousel" conveys a sense of fragility and transience of both love itself and all that exists.

"Heavenly eyes in the dark" and "passing lovers" are images of the fleeting nature and transience of passion. The phrase "The possibilities have already been used, the good times have passed" reinforces the feeling of bitterness and regret for what has been missed.

The lyrical hero clings to the past, seeking confirmation that their love was not in vain: "Say it wasn't all for nothing." He recalls moments of passion and intimacy ("Naked, we watched the snow fall and burn our skin," "On the old carousel we confessed our love at the top of our lungs"), which, despite their fleeting nature, left a deep mark on his soul.

The recurring refrain "Say it wasn't all for nothing" is a plea for hope, a desire to find meaning in lost love. The lyrical hero seeks solace in memories, trying to convince himself and, perhaps, his former lover that their connection was more than just a fleeting infatuation.

The image of the carousel continuing to spin at the end of the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and love. Despite the pain of loss, life goes on, leaving room for new encounters and experiences that may help heal old wounds.