"Red Orange Green" is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter Emma Pollock. The lyrics depict a sense of longing, uncertainty, and a plea for a loved one not to leave permanently. The song explores the emotions and conflicts that arise when someone close decides to embark on a journey or make a significant change. The song begins with the narrator expressing their effort and determination to be there for the person they love, symbolized by driving through traffic ("An ever-growing mass of metal and sinew") and anxiously waiting to see them ("With open arms I prepared to greet you"). The second verse reveals that the loved one has chosen to exchange their usual mode of transportation, possibly a car, for a bicycle ("The usual four wheels for the two"), which catches the narrator off guard. This decision challenges the narrator's preconceived notions and makes them question their own perspective, leading to a newfound passion for their loved one ("An outdated point of view I was harbored, Has been replaced with a passionate ardor"). The chorus symbolizes the narrator's internal turmoil and longing. The heartbeat represents their strong emotions ("Listen my heart, it goes beat, beat, beat"), the creaking door suggests vulnerability or instability ("Listen this door, it goes creak, creak, creak, creak"), and the ticking clock signifies the passage of time and their mental unrest ("Listen this clock, it goes tick, tock, tick"). The phrase "Missing my mind it goes flip, flop, flip, flop" emphasizes their confusion and inability to think clearly. The third verse reflects the narrator's desire to protect their loved one and express their concerns, asking them not to leave permanently ("But do not leave for good or I will unravel"). They acknowledge the need for independence and personal exploration but express their fear of being left behind or abandoned. The bridge of the song introduces the idea that there might be more going on than initially apparent ("I get the feeling that there's more going on here"). It suggests that distance and time apart can sometimes be necessary for personal growth and reflection, viewing it as positive for the heart. The final chorus repeats the same imagery of the heartbeat, creaking door, and ticking clock. The closing lines ("In search of something new, It's all in front of you") imply that the loved one is seeking something different or searching for a new experience, and the narrator acknowledges that it's ultimately their choice to make. Overall, "Red Orange Green" conveys the complex emotions, conflicts, and fears that arise when someone we care about decides to embark on a journey or make a significant change. It explores themes of longing, vulnerability, and the struggle between holding on and letting go.
