"Winter" is a song by Kina Grannis, a singer-songwriter known for her heartfelt and introspective lyrics. The song explores the themes of a failing relationship and the longing for love and closure. The lyrics depict a person questioning how long the relationship can continue in its current state, feeling trapped and with no other option but to stay. They express a sense of exhaustion and emotional emptiness, indicated by the line "There's no use in crying I'm dried up." Despite their efforts to be everything their partner needs, they feel unnoticed and unappreciated, as seen in the verse "I'm standing up tall do you see me." The song reflects on the change in the relationship dynamics and the disappointment that follows. The protagonist feels abandoned, as their partner promised never to leave but ended up drifting apart. They are left wondering how to recognize when it's truly over, as they have been emotionally drained and waiting for love to rejuvenate them, similar to waiting for water when dehydrated. With each passing day, the distance between the couple grows, causing more pain. The protagonist yearns for the love they once had and dreams of warmth during cold times, but those hopes now seem distant and unattainable. The chorus repeatedly questions if the relationship has reached its end and seeks confirmation from their partner. They realize they can no longer pretend and want a definitive answer, hoping to find closure and move on from the unresolved emotions. The bridge of the song suggests that despite the struggle and potential loss, the years spent together were not wasted. It highlights that even though the relationship may be coming to an end, the experiences and lessons gained from it are valuable. Through "Winter," Kina Grannis expresses the emotional turmoil, confusion, and desire for clarity and closure in a failing relationship. The song captures the pain of realizing that love, like water during dehydration, may not come despite the longing and waiting.
