The song "Surrogate Lover" by Ghost Atlas explores the themes of longing, addiction, and the struggle to find oneself amidst conflicting emotions. It delves into the idea of seeking temporary satisfaction and escape from reality through substances and fleeting relationships. The lyrics suggest a yearning for someone to fill the void left by a loved one's absence. The protagonist questions how long they can replace their significant other's presence before their memory starts to fade away. Substance abuse has clouded their perception of reality, and they are on the brink of forgetting who they are. Living in two worlds, the protagonist finds themselves torn between their desires and the consequences that come with them. They wonder how long until one world destroys the other. These conflicting emotions further blur their sense of self. In the chorus, the protagonist pleads for a brief moment of solace, a piece of what they have left behind. They are willing to lose everything for a temporary escape, even swearing to never love again. The lyrics convey a sense of desperation and a desire for relief from emotional turmoil. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of repeatedly giving oneself away, suggesting a cycle of searching for love and connection only to leave it behind again and again. This repetition is questioned, contemplating if it is worth sacrificing oneself repeatedly. The protagonist recognizes their tendency to stray away when they should stay away. They acknowledge that they often find themselves in precarious situations only during the best of times when everything seems to be in sync. Despite this realization, they struggle to break free from the pattern. Overall, "Surrogate Lover" by Ghost Atlas explores themes of longing, addiction, and the search for identity in the midst of conflicting emotions. It portrays the struggle of seeking temporary satisfaction and escapism while grappling with the consequences and loss that can come from it.
