The lyrics of "Romance To Me" by Empire Of The Sun describe a sense of longing and nostalgia for a past relationship. The narrator hasn't seen their partner in a long time, and although the situation may seem bleak, there is still a hint of hope and romance in their heart. The tears that they have shed have stained the pages of their story, emphasizing the emotional impact of the separation. Despite the distance, the narrator still reaches out to their partner, only to be met with their partner moving forward, potentially indicating a lack of reciprocation or the inability to reconnect. The narrator's ears have gone through phases, suggesting that they have listened to different perspectives and emotions throughout their journey without their partner. However, the core theme remains the same - it's all about the romance and love that they had together. There's a sense of bittersweetness in the song. Although the narrator experiences joy in their life, it is now only visible to those who truly know them, contrasting the previous open and shared happiness with their partner. The romance that was once present in their relationship has now been replaced by sadness and longing. The line "I still hear the bells when I walk" indicates that the narrator still holds on to memories and reminders of their past relationship. However, the movie they are living in has changed its key, implying that things are not the same and that the narrative has shifted. The lyrics also mention being touched by their partner's breath as they sleep, continuing to evoke a sense of intimacy and connection. Despite the physical absence, the romance still lingers in their dreams and thoughts. Overall, "Romance To Me" portrays the longing, nostalgia, and yearning for a past relationship, highlighting the emotional impact and lasting romance, even in the absence of a loved one.
