Meaning of Close As Strangers by 5 Seconds of Summer

The overall theme of 5 Seconds of Summer's song "Close As Strangers" revolves around the struggles and uncertainties of maintaining a long-distance relationship. It delves into the feelings of distance, longing, and the fear of losing someone you care about. The lyrics beautifully capture the emotional turmoil of being physically separated from a loved one and the doubts that arise during that time apart.One standout lyric that helps develop the theme is, "Every night that we spend alone, it kills me thinking of you on your own, and I wish I was back home next to you." This lyric emphasizes the pain of being physically separated from someone and the feeling of helplessness when imagining them going through their own struggles without your presence. It deepens the theme of longing and highlights the sense of longing for physical closeness.Another impactful lyric is, "Are we wasting time talkin' on a broken line? Tellin' you I haven't seen your face in ages, I feel like we're as close as strangers." This lyric introduces the theme of communication breakdown and the doubt that creeps into a relationship when there is a lack of regular face-to-face interaction. It explores the fear that amidst the distance, the emotional connection might fade, leaving both parties feeling like strangers despite previous intimacy.A particularly imaginative theme that can be derived from the lyrics is the idea of the "thousand faces" mentioned in the line, "Every night, I'm losing you in a thousand faces." This lyric suggests that in the absence of physical proximity, the mind starts to create fantasies and imaginations of the other person. It highlights the struggle of trying to hold onto the essence of the relationship when only left with fragmented memories and fading images in one's mind.Furthermore, the line "Late night calls and another text, is this as good as we're gonna get?" brings forth the theme of uncertainty and the fear of settling for less than what we desire or deserve. It explores the question of whether the effort put into maintaining the relationship through long-distance means is enough, or if it falls short of the depths of emotional connection that can only be achieved through physical presence.Lastly, the concluding line of the song, "Six months since I went away, and I know everything has changed, but tomorrow I'll be comin' back to you," encapsulates the theme of hope and the belief in the strength of the bond shared. It signifies that even with the uncertainties and changes that time apart brings, the determination to bridge the distance and reconnect remains steadfast.In conclusion, 5 Seconds of Summer's "Close As Strangers" delves deep into the challenges of long-distance relationships. The song beautifully expresses the emotions of longing, uncertainty, and the fear of growing apart. Each lyric helps develop various unexpected and imaginative themes, including the pain of physical separation, the breakdown of communication, the creation of mental fantasies, the fear of settling, and the hope for a reunion. Through its poignant lyrics, the song captures the complexities of maintaining intimacy despite the physical barriers and showcases the universal struggle of love across distances.