The song "coney island" by Taylor Swift ft. The National explores themes of lost love, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The lyrics depict a broken relationship and the longing for a past connection.

In the first verse, Taylor Swift expresses her search for her lover, but despite their physical presence, she questions their emotional connection. She wonders if they are meant to be together for the long run and if she has unintentionally hurt them.

The chorus emphasizes the repetitive nature of their relationship, with a sense of disappointment and lack of surprises. The imagery of the sun setting suggests a fading love and a growing coldness.

The third verse brings in The National's Matt Berninger, who reflects on the regrets and doubts that haunt his thoughts. He questions the worth of his life's achievements if he has pushed his loved one to the edge. He wonders if his partner misses the adventurous person who convinced them to enter a metaphorical "paradise" but ultimately left them there. He seeks forgiveness from their soul when they become too wise to believe him and too indifferent due to age.

The fourth verse refers to their relationship being compared to a pre-internet shopping mall, once the most popular place in town. It implies a time of excitement and suburban dreams, but Taylor Swift apologizes for not winning a ring from an arcade game, possibly symbolizing her failure to fully capture her lover's heart.

The fifth verse continues with Taylor Swift and Matt Berninger questioning missed opportunities to meet and celebrate milestones. They wonder if Taylor Swift's absence deterred her lover from waiting for her, and if she failed to acknowledge them during a significant moment. The mention of coloring the "brightest skies in shades of gray" suggests a loss of joy and vibrancy.

The repetition of the chorus in the sixth verse highlights the continued pattern of feeling lost and disappointed. Taylor Swift and Matt Berninger apologize once again for their lover not being their center of attention.

In the final verse, the imagery of the sun setting brings back memories of the lover's face. Taylor Swift acknowledges that when she went on stage, she may have forgotten to mention them. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the apologies for not making their lover their center.

Overall, "coney island" delves into the complexity of a fading relationship, the regrets of missed opportunities, and the bittersweet nature of memories and nostalgia.