The song "Bottle of You" by Joseph Arthur tells a story of longing, loss, and the desperate desire to hold onto someone who is no longer present. The lyrics express the narrator's intense attachment to their loved one and their struggle to move on. In the first verse, the narrator uses a bottle of their partner's old shampoo as a way to keep their presence close. They describe how the scent reminds them of their loved one and how they try to immerse themselves in it by rinsing their hair and wiping their eyes. The mention of drying off in the moonlight suggests a sense of vulnerability and connection to nature. The second verse reveals a moment of heartbreak between the narrator and their partner. The partner is described as experiencing inner turmoil, symbolized by their eyes changing color. Despite the pain and struggle, the narrator wishes they had faith in their partner, indicating their desire to trust and believe in their love. The chorus introduces the metaphor of the partner being like a tetherball tied to the end of the narrator's head. This imagery suggests that the partner's conflicting desires and identities constantly pull the narrator in different directions. The lyrics imply that the partner's inner conflict causes tension in the relationship and impacts the narrator's own well-being, as they feel choked by the constant back and forth. Despite the difficulties, the narrator acknowledges that their partner means no disrespect, emphasizing their empathetic understanding of their loved one's struggles. However, they still express the yearning for faith and trust in their relationship, suggesting a longing for stability and emotional connection. Overall, "Bottle of You" explores themes of longing, attachment, and the complexities of love. It portrays the narrator's fierce desire to preserve their connection with a loved one who is distant emotionally or physically.
