Haley Joelle's song "Red Lights" revolves around the desire to escape from the routine and chaos of everyday life. The lyrics express a longing to break free from responsibilities and obligations and embrace spontaneous changes and unplanned moments. In the song, the narrator finds themselves stuck in traffic and contemplates the monotony of their daily routine. They admit that they have always been someone who meticulously plans their life but today, they yearn for an unexpected twist. The protagonist wishes for their plans to go awry, hoping for delays or obstacles that will keep them from boarding a plane and experiencing a change in scenery. The phrase "Twenty more till we're at the airport" signifies the anticipation of making it through the tiresome journey to finally reach the desired destination. The narrator expresses a desire for extra time, wishing for red lights or someone getting a flat tire, anything that would keep them grounded and allow them to stay in their current location. The repetition of the line "Oh I want red lights" emphasizes the protagonist's yearning for a break from their ordinary routine. They compare this desire to the passion and intensity of wildfires, expressing a deep longing for something out of the ordinary, akin to a scene from a romantic movie. The closing lines of the song, "Before it all flies away," further accentuate the narrator's longing for a momentary escape from the pressures of daily life. There is a sense of urgency in the realization that time is fleeting, and they want to seize the opportunity to experience something different before it slips away. Overall, "Red Lights" represents a yearning for spontaneity, adventure, and a departure from the usual patterns in life. It resonates with anyone who has ever craved a break from routine and wished for unexpected opportunities to embrace the unknown.
