The song "Icon" by Empress Of explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the desire for validation and recognition. The lyrics depict the narrator's struggle with being awake and unable to sleep due to the memories of someone they deeply miss. The use of sleeping pills represents a form of desperation to escape these thoughts and find some solace in dreams. The line "Take my hand in your hand like we're walking" suggests a longing for connection and intimacy, imagining a romantic moment with the desired person. However, the reality is that the narrator is alone in their room, only accompanied by the haunting memories. The repetition of "Every minute passes like an hour" emphasizes the feelings of time dragging on, exaggerating the sense of isolation and longing. The narrator feels invisible, like they are not seen or recognized by anyone as an influential figure or "icon." This lack of recognition exacerbates their feelings of loneliness, as they desire to be acknowledged by someone. The reference to keeping the lights on signifies a need to stay awake and occupied, possibly to avoid confronting their emotions or the emptiness they feel without the presence of the person they long for. Closing their eyes and seeing the person's face reflects the depth of their longing, even in moments of solitude. The repetition of "I don't want to feel this way" highlights the narrator's frustration with their emotions and desires. The song ultimately conveys a sense of yearning, unrequited love, and the struggle to find fulfillment or validation.
