The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Afterglow" by the artist "Travis"

In Travis' song "Afterglow," the lyrical protagonist reflects on a past relationship that seems to still hold sway over him.

Comfort and a Forced Smile:

The lines "I'm comfortable all the time, I'm good all the time. Bide my time, force a smile" create the impression that the protagonist is trying to convince himself of his own well-being. He clings to routine, to "forcing a smile," perhaps as a way to mask the inner pain and emptiness after the breakup.

Elusive Peace and a Ghost of the Past:

The phrase "But if you wanted peace of mind, you could have it any time" is addressed to his former lover. It's as if the protagonist is reproaching her for not trying to save the relationship, for not fighting for their "peace of mind." However, he himself admits that she is "just a ghost from the past," a phantom who cannot give him the peace he desires.

Obsession and Fear of the Future:

The lines "Tearing out a page from the book of my life, from my life, will lead to no good" demonstrate the protagonist's fear of the future. He is afraid to let go of the past, afraid of change, even if he understands that dwelling on his former love brings him nothing good.

Midnight Show and the Bitter Truth:

The image of a "midnight show" emphasizes the ephemeral and unreal nature of his feelings. This love is merely a fleeting vision that appears and disappears, leaving emptiness in its wake. The final lines, "And when you finally left me, I had nothing left at all," are particularly poignant, revealing the depth of the protagonist's loneliness and despair.

Overall, "Afterglow" is a song about a painful breakup, about futile attempts to forget and move on, about the ghosts of the past that prevent one from finding peace.