"Life In Quarantine" by Benjamin Gibbard is a song that captures the atmosphere and emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lyrics paint a picture of a deserted city with empty streets, bars, and cafes. The streetlights change, but there is no real purpose as there is no one around. The reference to Christmas when nobody's around highlights the sense of isolation and emptiness. The song touches on the feeling of desperation and uncertainty as people struggle to cope with the situation. The airports and train stations are filled with desperate individuals trying to convince gate agents of their emergencies. However, despite the chaos, nobody is going anywhere soon, reflecting the reality of travel restrictions and lockdown measures. The lyrics also reference the eerie atmosphere in places like grocery stores, likening it to the Eastern Bloc, where people exhibit heightened anxiety and fear due to the imminent threat of illness. Despite these circumstances, the narrator finds solace in the silence of the wind through the trees and cherishes the companionship of walking beside someone in these uncertain times. The mention of the National Guard being deployed to protect people from their neighbors likely reflects the tensions and conflicts that can arise during difficult times. The reference to those who have tried to escape but drowned out past the breakers implies that fleeing may not necessarily lead to a better outcome. Overall, "Life In Quarantine" captures the feelings of loneliness, desperation, and uncertainty that many have experienced during the pandemic. It explores the impact on daily life, relationships, and the sense of being trapped in a situation where there are no guarantees or quick solutions.
