​heldaghost

The emotional journey of 'heldaghost' begins with an overwhelming sense of ethereal loss, as portrayed through the image of holding and then losing a ghost. Here, the ghost likely symbolizes something precious yet intangible, perhaps a cherished memory, a loved one, or an idealized version of oneself. The sensation of it slipping through the fingers evokes a haunting futility, the kind which comes from trying desperately to grasp something that was never meant to be held.

As the artist admits to having 'lost all hope' and desiring 'nothing to do with this,' there's a stark shift into a state of disengagement and detachment from life's offerings. This can resonate with listeners as the all too familiar stage of withdrawal that often accompanies depression, where one feels disconnected from their surroundings and the activities that once brought joy.

The pre-chorus 'If we don't leave, We will burn with this town' introduces a sense of urgency and the necessity for escape. The mention of a collective 'we' suggests a shared experience or a bond with someone else, reinforcing the idea that the struggle is not endured in solitude. The imagined destruction hovers as a metaphor for the internalized destruction one believes will happen if no change is made, whether that be a shift in environment, perspective, or self.

In the chorus, the artist envisages a scenario where 'everything was everything,' a place of total contentment and the absence of worry—a stark contrast to the reality they face. This longing for simplicity echoes the desire to find peace amidst chaos. The repetition of having 'held a ghost' serves as a poignant reminder of the transient beauty and the pain of trying to hold onto the ephemeral.