"Sonata" by Arcade Fire explores themes of unrequited love, longing, and the emotional turbulence that accompanies personal connections. The song tells the story of a man who is deeply infatuated with a woman, but she only holds a fleeting place in his heart.

The lyrics depict the man as someone who is skilled at playing the piano and craves love and attention from the crowd. However, there is a sense of disillusionment and cynicism in his character, as he wants the crowd to disappear and only seeks solace in drawing them near. This suggests that despite external popularity, he feels disconnected and isolated.

Meanwhile, the woman in the song is described as someone who touched his heart but remains distant. She is awake, symbolizing her ability to face reality, and she sings a sonata, representing her expressive nature and emotional depth. While she may be aware of his affection, she maintains a certain distance, feeling as light as a feather.

The chorus emphasizes their shared sense of insignificance and vulnerability. They both feel small in the grand scheme of things, regardless of their individual talents and ambitions. This sentiment may reflect the fundamental emptiness that can be found in attempting to derive fulfillment from external sources or superficial connections.

The man's dreams are described as a boat, symbolizing his desire to escape and find solace elsewhere. However, he ends up a wreck at the end of each day, suggesting the failure of these aspirations. This could also highlight his personal struggles and emotional instability.

The repetition of the line "He mails her a letter, he should have burned" reflects his regret and inability to let go. The letter represents his attempt to communicate his feelings to the woman, but he realizes it was ill-advised. It further symbolizes his emotional attachment to a past version of their relationship.

The song concludes with the line "He fell in love with a photograph, if he told her the story she'd have to laugh." This suggests that the man's infatuation stems from an idealized image of the woman. If he were to share the true extent of his emotions, she would likely find it laughable, highlighting the disconnect between reality and his perception.

Overall, "Sonata" delves into the complexities of unrequited love, the yearning for connection, and the inherent vulnerabilities present in personal relationships. It explores the dynamic between two individuals who are emotionally mismatched, trapped in their own inner turmoil, and ultimately left feeling insignificant and misunderstood.