The song 'These Days' by The Black Keys explores themes of reflection, nostalgia, and regret. It conveys a message about the lead singer's inner struggle with the past choices he has made, characterized by feelings of remorse for what's been lost or altered over time. Through vivid imagery and raw emotions, the song contemplates the impact of time on one's psyche and the longing for a simpler, purer past.
The emotional journey of 'These Days' by The Black Keys begins with a reflection on past actions, hinted at with the opening lines 'My hand to God, I didn't mean to.' It's a statement of unintended consequences, setting a sorrowful and repentant tone for the song. The emotional tone shifts slightly as the artist reminisces about a time and place that felt like home, suggested by the mention of a 'little house on Ellis Drive.' This verse is drenched in nostalgia, a yearning for the innocence and clarity of youth when the complexities of adult life hadn't yet taken their toll.
As The Black Keys move into the chorus, the lead singer's lament becomes more pronounced. The line 'These blood red eyes don't see so good' suggests a weary, perhaps self-destructive lifestyle that has clouded his vision—literally or metaphorically. It raises the question of whether the singer would change his ways if he could truly 'see', acknowledging a cycle of self-inflicted pain. The chorus reflects an existential struggle, a man at war with himself over his life choices and the colors of his experiences, which are now violent and obscene, symbolizing a fall from grace.
Continuing the journey into the second verse, caution turns into an ominous warning with the lines 'Watch what you say, the devil is listening.' This introduces the concept of temptation and the idea that once one has made a deal with the devil—here equating to bad decisions or wayward paths—there are irreversible consequences. This paves the way for a theme of moral struggle as The Black Keys delve into the idea of being unable to retrieve one's lost soul, magnifying the emotional weight of regret.
The song concludes on a rather somber and unresolved note. The repetition of 'these days' in the outro serves as an echo chamber of the singer's ongoing turmoil. It is a resounding emphasis on his current state of being, where all he can perceive are the dark hues of his life's tapestry—a continuous reminder of the lost serenity of his earlier days and the enduring cost of his past actions. It leaves the listener with the haunting aftertaste of the emotional journey conveyed throughout the song, one of wistful memories clashing with the sobering realities of the present.
"The little house on Ellis Drive"
This line paints a picture of a specific place that holds sentimental value. Ellis Drive likely refers to a real location significant to the artist's past, evoking feelings of timelessness and nostalgia.
"These blood red eyes don't see so good"
Blood red eyes are commonly associated with either literal exhaustion or the metaphorical inability to see clearly due to emotional or personal turmoil.
"Wasted times and broken dreams"
These words reflect on the remorse and sorrow over opportunities lost and aspirations that were never fulfilled, underscoring the theme of regret.
"Violent colors so obscene"
This phrase could allude to memories or experiences that are jarring or traumatic, having a profound negative impact on the singer's psyche.