Meaning of I stood right by the tracks, your face in a locket

In Taylor Swift's song "Sad Beautiful Tragic," the lyrics encompass deep emotions of love, longing, and heartbreak. The line that stands out is "I stood right by the tracks, your face in a locket," which encapsulates a vivid image and develops multiple unexpected themes within the context of the song.One interpretation of this line is the theme of unfulfilled promises and missed opportunities. The image of standing by the tracks signifies waiting, anticipating, and hoping for something that never arrives. The face in the locket represents a cherished memory or a lost love, permanently captured and kept close to the heart. This theme delves into the bittersweet nature of relationships, where the initial magic and beauty gradually turn into sadness and tragedy.Another theme that emerges from this line is a sense of nostalgia and reminiscence. It suggests a haunting memory that lingers, evoking a longing for the past. The act of keeping someone's face in a locket implies an intense desire to hold onto a specific moment or person, even though they have faded away. It highlights the power of memories to influence our emotions and shape our perception of love.Additionally, the line can be seen as a reflection of the passage of time. Standing by the tracks symbolizes being stuck in a moment, frozen in a particular period of one's life. The face in the locket acts as a snapshot, capturing a fragment of time that no longer exists. The theme of time's fleeting nature ties into the overall storyline of the song, where the protagonist grapples with the realization that love can be lost and memories can fade away.Finally, the line also hints at the idea of sacrifice and holding onto something that is destined to slip away. Standing right by the tracks implies being dangerously close to an imminent departure or separation. The face in the locket can represent holding onto a love even when it becomes clear that it is no longer sustainable or healthy. This theme explores the complexities of love and the reluctance to let go, even when it brings sadness and pain.Overall, through the imaginative and creative use of the line "I stood right by the tracks, your face in a locket," Taylor Swift examines the various themes of unfulfilled promises, nostalgia, the passage of time, and sacrifice within the context of love. These themes contribute to the overarching theme of the song, highlighting the beauty, sadness, and tragedy that can be intertwined in our experiences of love and relationships.