The song "Binoculars" by Ari Hest tells a story about distance and the complexities that come with getting closer to someone. The lyrics convey a sense of ambiguity and the protagonist's desire to maintain a certain level of distance. The opening lines, "If the distance were cut in half, and you could do simpler math, If the angle were cut, I’d still appear obscure," suggest that even if the physical distance is reduced, the person still remains enigmatic and hard to understand. It implies that there may be emotional or psychological barriers preventing a deeper connection. As the song continues, the protagonist acknowledges that the closer someone gets to them, the further away they seem. This could symbolize the fear of intimacy or the tendency to push others away when they get too close. The lyrics, "Better to secure a set of binoculars," suggest that it might be easier or more comfortable for both parties involved to observe each other from a distance rather than fully engaging with one another. The song also references the ocean and its depth, using it as a metaphor for the complexity of the protagonist's personality. Even if someone were to venture closer, they would only find that the protagonist becomes even more difficult to understand or see clearly. The lyrics, "Only to find, I’m even more a blur," reinforce the notion that the protagonist feels somewhat elusive and inscrutable. The lines, "I don’t mean to be so cruel, Hold you to all these rules, But I would prefer, you use your binoculars," suggest that the protagonist is aware of their tendency to distance themselves and may feel guilty about it. They express a desire for the other person to understand and respect their need for personal space or emotional detachment. In summary, "Binoculars" by Ari Hest explores the theme of distance and the complexities of human connection. The song conveys the protagonist's desire to observe and be observed from a distance, acknowledging their difficulty in forming close relationships while still longing for understanding and companionship.
