Henry Jamison's song "Through A Glass" tells the story of a lost love and the narrator's struggle with their feelings for the person they once called their dearest friend. The lyrics paint a picture of the narrator looking at the world through the distorted lens of a bottle of alcohol. This imagery suggests a state of intoxication and emotional vulnerability. The green tint and bending of the glass symbolize the distorted perception and emotional turmoil the narrator is experiencing. The song alludes to the narrator's companion passing away and potentially going to heaven. This reflects their longing to see their friend again after death, perhaps indicating that their relationship had a significant impact on the narrator's life. The lyrics then shift to the narrator's car troubles as they try to make their way to Vermont. The mention of their friend spending summers in Bar Harbor and working in a restaurant implies that they had a carefree and adventurous spirit. This serves as a reminder of the good times they shared. The mention of the narrator's friend having multiple boyfriends and the counting of the ones the narrator knows suggests a sense of jealousy or possessiveness. This hints at underlying romantic feelings that the narrator may have had for their friend. As the lyrics progress, the story takes a darker turn. The narrator recalls losing their friend at a "five and dime," which could refer to a cheap store or a country music bar. This loss could be interpreted literally, as the friend moving on and leaving the narrator behind, or figuratively, as the end of their emotional connection. The introduction of the 6'5" ex-marine in a truck adds tension to the story. The friend describes the marine as fragile, but the narrator disregards this concern, expressing their indifference. This juxtaposition highlights the narrator's conflicted emotions about their friend's choices and their own inability to fully let go. The rollercoaster metaphor symbolizes the unpredictable and cyclical nature of their relationship. The ride may provide brief moments of excitement and adventure but ultimately returns the riders back to the same starting point. This reflects the narrator's realization that their relationship with their friend was ultimately going nowhere. Overall, "Through A Glass" explores themes of longing, loss, and the complications of love. It highlights the narrator's struggle to move on from a deep emotional attachment, ultimately leading to a bittersweet acceptance of their friend's absence.
