The song "Passerby" by Grinspoon tells the story of someone who is reflecting on a past relationship. The lyrics portray a sense of longing and missed opportunities. The song begins with the suggestion to "check yourself into the river" and "check yourself into a dream," implying the desire to escape from reality and enter into a different world where one can forget the pain and loneliness. The mention of a "hell hole" and a "nightmare" conveys the feeling of being trapped and isolated, where nobody can hear the protagonist's screams. The chorus repeats the phrase "Passerby pass me by to love you still," indicating that despite the end of the relationship, the protagonist still holds love for the person they were once connected to. They hope that the person passing by on the street would realize the potential they had to be together and that they were meant to meet. The lyrics mention "meltdowns" and glasses coming "unstuck," suggesting moments of conflict or confusion within the relationship. These moments still linger in the protagonist's mind, almost like reminders of the past. The line "Could it be beginner's luck" implies that the relationship may have started off well, but eventually encountered problems or challenges. The song concludes with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing that even though the relationship may have ended, the love remains. The mention of "stranger ships in the night" suggests missed opportunities for connection and the desire to find the light among the darkness. The line "This is not the start but this ain't the end" indicates that the story isn't over yet; there may still be hope for a future reconciliation or a new beginning. Overall, "Passerby" explores themes of longing, missed chances, and the enduring nature of love, despite the challenges faced in a relationship.
