The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Sorrow" by the artist "Tom Odell"

Tom Odell's "Sorrow" paints a picture of profound sadness and longing, likely stemming from the loss of a loved one. The lyrical protagonist lists seemingly insignificant details that serve as poignant reminders of the lost love: shared songs, bands, places they used to frequent.

The phrase "All that I took from you" doesn't refer to material possessions but rather to memories, emotions, and moments of intimacy. The "scent you left in the bed" and the "strings on this piano" are metaphors that convey the sensuality and acuteness of the protagonist's emotions. Music becomes both an outlet for his pain and a tormenting reminder of the past.

The chorus is a plea for help, a desperate cry for release from the overwhelming sadness ("Won't you take my sorrow?"). The "chains" symbolize the protagonist's inability to break free from the clutches of grief and move on. He seeks solace, guidance, and support ("Give me someone I can follow", "Tell me how to live").

The repetition of the "scent in the bed" and the "piano strings" imagery emphasizes the overwhelming power of memories that keep the protagonist tethered to the past, hindering his ability to move forward. The final image of "waves, running back to the sea" evokes a sense of hopelessness, an endless cycle of returning to pain and sorrow.