The song "Hey" by Alvvays explores themes of lost identity, dissatisfaction, and the struggle to find meaningful connections in life.
The opening lines, "Have you lost your sense of place? / Hold a brush to your white toothpaste / Does the mirror look a little strange?" suggest a feeling of disorientation and questioning of one's identity and surroundings. It symbolizes a sense of detachment and confusion, as if the narrator is unsure of where they belong.
The lines "You satisfied with making do / Should we pull the parachute?" reflect a dissatisfaction with settling for less and a contemplation of whether to take risks or retreat from challenging situations. The idea of pulling a parachute implies a desire for a fresh start or escape from their current circumstances.
The verse "I will land on my feet, but I probably won’t leave the house for a while" expresses a sense of resilience and independence, but also hints at the narrator's inclination to isolate themselves as a means of self-preservation. The line "it feels like forever since you held me like I was a human being" suggests a longing for genuine human connection and affection that the narrator has been missing.
The repetition of the phrase "Blind in an alleyway / Assuring you I’m fine" indicates a facade of strength or deception, as if the narrator is pretending to be okay despite feeling lost and overwhelmed. This can be seen as a defense mechanism to avoid vulnerability or scrutiny from others.
The mention of "Molly Mayhem" on the doorstep at three AM suggests a disruptive or chaotic presence in the narrator's life, possibly representing a tumultuous relationship. The lines "Fight and you run and you run / And it’s likely over now / Fight and you run and you run / And you want it over now" convey a cycle of conflict and avoidance, suggesting that the narrator is tired of the repetitive patterns and desires resolution or closure.
The final lines "This is the nineteenth round, and you know it / This is not the right crowd, and you know it" highlight a sense of dissatisfaction and mismatched expectations in a certain social or emotional environment. It suggests that the narrator recognizes the need for change and realization that their current circumstances may not be healthy or conducive to their well-being.
Overall, "Hey" delves into themes of displacement, self-reflection, and the yearning for genuine human connection, while also acknowledging the need for personal growth and change.