I Love Song Analysis

Illustrating the complexities of interpersonal relationships, the XX released their self titled freshman album to critical acclaim. Among the songs on the album, “Islands” best demonstrates the complexities of interpersonal relationships owing to its lyricism, both minimalistic and introspective. Two lovers declare loyalty to each other while recognizing the sacrifices they are making; they are reluctant to let go of the freedom they cherish but feel preconditioned to be together. Much of this story lacking in the lyrics of the song but is portrayed using other means. Through the use of cinematography an element of expression is depicted that would not otherwise be possible through melodic and lyrical depiction alone. One cannot fully understand …show more content…
This is much like the very nature of relationships which seldom end in resolution. At the end of the video we are left with the remnants of many relationships that have fallen through. We are not given reasons for this, only the expressions and actions of those in the music video. We know how the individuals feel, but are not given a rationale for their actions; This is best illustrated in the abrupt ending of the song, which is only about two and a half minutes’ long. while this does not provide a satisfying ending, it is powerful. One is left to wonder what the intention of the man and woman left at the end of the video are. They are both presumably broken. It is reasonable to conclude that the man intends to peruse the women who has ineffectually perused someone already in a relationship; however, no satisfying resolution is …show more content…
Upon further analysis it is apparent that is about something more complex. After taking the music video into account, the dismal nature of the song is evident. The music video, which loops concurrently with music it accompanies and varies with each loop, adds a deeper meaning to the song as whole. The subtle difference in each loop of the music video adds an element of humanity to the song. The many relationships that are portrayed concurrently and the impacts they have on one another is handily expressed cinematically; It would be cumbersome, if not impossible, to express this melodically or lyrically. Without watching the music video for “Islands” the song seems superficial, only once cinematically experiencing “Islands” does one understand the complexity, emotion, and uncertainty that the song intends to