Meaning of "Sometimes, it returns like rain that you slept through"

In the mesmerizing world of Hozier's "Abstract (Psychopomp)," a song that delves deep into the complexities of love and memory, every word carries profound weight. Each verse and chorus weaves a web of emotions, painting a picture of fleeting moments and unrequited affection. Amidst this lyrical tapestry, one line stands out like a rainstorm shrouded in mystery: "Sometimes, it returns like rain that you slept through."This line, pregnant with metaphorical significance, encapsulates the theme of memory and its surreptitious ability to resurface unexpectedly. Like rain falling softly during slumber, memories often trickle back into our consciousness, evoking feelings and emotions we thought we had left behind. Just as we wake up to find our surroundings washed anew by the rain we slept through, these memories bring a sense of renewal, albeit tinged with a sense of loss.The phrase "Sometimes, it returns" hints at the transitory nature of memory. Memories are unruly beings, lurking in the recesses of our minds, only to emerge when we least expect them. They possess the power to transport us back to a particular moment, as if we were reliving it all over again. In this way, the rain becomes a metaphor for memory, gently seeping into our consciousness when we least anticipate it.However, it's important to note that the rain in this line is not just any rain. It is rain that one has slept through. This adds an element of unawareness and surprise to the memory's resurgence. The sleeping state represents moments in our lives when we are not consciously engaged with our memories, yet they still slip past our defenses and re-emerge, catching us off guard. It reminds us that memories have a life of their own, resiliently persisting despite our attempts to bury or forget them.Moreover, the line suggests that these memories have the power to wash off the world, cleansing it of its burdens. Like raindrops on a street, memories have the potential to wipe away the grime and weariness of everyday life, offering a brief respite from the monotony. However, this renewal is fleeting, as the rain eventually dries up, leaving only traces of its presence. Similarly, memories can bring a temporary sense of relief and a revived perspective, only to fade away once again, leaving us longing for their return.Within the context of the song, the line speaks to the narrator's gratitude for the return of these memories, no matter how brief or bittersweet they may be. It highlights the paradox of cherishing moments that may bring both joy and pain, the recollection of which is simultaneously cherished and feared. The rain that the narrator slept through represents not just a physical rain but also the intangible emotions and experiences that were initially unnoticed or overlooked.Ultimately, "Sometimes, it returns like rain that you slept through" encompasses the underlying theme of the song, which is the ephemeral and elusive nature of memory. Memories have a tendency to resurface unexpectedly, showcasing the interconnectedness of the past and present. Hozier takes us on a lyrical journey through the complex emotions and contradictions that these memories can evoke. The rain that we slept through becomes a poetic symbol, reminding us to pay attention to the subtleties of our lives, for even in the moments we least anticipate, beauty and meaning can emerge.