"Enemy, Love" by John Mark McMillan explores themes of trust, doubt, regret, and the complexities of love. The song delves into the internal struggle of the narrator, who has difficulty trusting both others and themselves. The lyrics begin with the narrator expressing their lack of trust in a fool and in themselves. They don't want to burden someone else with their doubts and regrets, and they had promised not to bury someone (possibly metaphorical) but feel like they are losing control. The chorus mentions "Heaven in a china girl" and "Heaven in an empty dress," which could symbolize the pursuit of perfection or fulfillment in external things, but finding emptiness instead. Three wild birds and an empty nest evoke feelings of loss and missed opportunities. The narrator admits that they said they wouldn't miss a minute or buckle under stress, but they find themselves losing control. The line "Oh, Christ! Do you wake my ghost?" suggests a longing for spiritual guidance or intervention. The narrator questions if someone (possibly Christ) gave up their own body to earn the narrator's trust, only to suffer for it. The bridge of the song addresses the conflict between dreams and desires and their actual significance in the narrator's life. They acknowledge that they hold certain things in their hands, but despite that, they feel like they are losing control. The song concludes with the plea for communication and understanding. The narrator admits their willingness, but also their weakness. They express a desire for the other person, referred to as "enemy, love," to come and talk to them. They don't want to become enemies but rather seek resolution and understanding in their relationship. Overall, "Enemy, Love" explores the struggles of trust, the complexities of love, and the inner turmoil of the narrator as they navigate their own doubts, regrets, and desires, while grappling with the possibility of finding resolution and understanding.
