The song "Patterns" by EMF tells a story of a tumultuous, dysfunctional relationship. The lyrics depict a woman who falls from a great height and dies, suggesting that her death was the only way to truly understand her inner struggles. The reasons for her actions slowly slip away, and her once bright and vibrant eyes lose their sparkle. Despite her demise, she dismisses her actions as nothing more than a mistake and manages to cast a spell to mask the gravity of the situation. As if nothing bad had happened, she continues on with her life, sitting and making patterns with the narrator's scared and tired eyes. When she cuts herself, she finds a way to alleviate her pain and fulfill her needs. The narrator witnesses this, but it's unclear if he fully understands the reasons behind her destructive behavior. She then takes him to a doorway, symbolizing a transition or a new perspective. On the other side, she leads him with passion, tenderness, and pride. She makes promises and plans, but ultimately leaves him stranded in a barren land when he enters. As the relationship continues, the narrator sees her glazed eyes and the lies she tells herself and others. Yet, she still behaves as if nothing bad had happened and continues making patterns with his scared and tired eyes. This repetition highlights the cyclic and destructive nature of their relationship. In the end, the narrator realizes that the promises and assurances he made were lies, further emphasizing the toxicity of their connection. The song serves as an exploration of a relationship marked by loss, turmoil, and manipulation.
