The song "Phoenix" by Julia Cole revolves around the theme of longing and distance in a relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator feeling lonely and isolated, both physically and emotionally, as they find themselves at the airport in the cold rain, walking up the jetway with their suitcase. They express a sense of emptiness and no one being at home either. The mention of being in Phoenix symbolizes the physical distance between the narrator and their significant other. With two thousand miles between them, the narrator acknowledges that it's a good thing because if their partner was closer, they would find it difficult to resist the urge to be with them. Despite knowing that their partner is probably doing fine without them, the narrator misses their arms around them on nights like this. They confess that their partner has become their weakness, and they hate how much they long for them. The lyrics also explore the complexities of seeing their partner with someone else. The narrator admits that if they came across their partner alone, they would be tongue-tied and overwhelmed. However, if their partner was accompanied by another person, it would intensify their pain even more. Towards the end, the narrator contemplates admitting their love for their partner but questions the authenticity of their feelings, indicating a sense of confusion and emotional vulnerability. Overall, "Phoenix" conveys the struggles and yearning of being separated from someone you deeply care about, highlighting the internal turmoil and conflicting emotions experienced in such a situation.
