The song "Gray Eyes" by North Coast tells the story of a relationship that has ended and the feelings of regret and longing that come with it. The lyrics reflect the narrator's realization that they have not spoken to their former partner in a year, despite the fact that the partner said goodbye. The narrator expresses feelings of distance and sadness, reminiscing about the good times they shared in the past. The song also delves into themes of betrayal and heartbreak, as the narrator admits to some wrongdoing that may have contributed to the relationship ending. The mention of a new person entering the picture and taking the place of the former partner adds a layer of jealousy and hurt to the narrative. Ultimately, "Gray Eyes" conveys a sense of unresolved emotions and the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship. The repeated refrain of "We haven't talked in a year" emphasizes the long period of silence and the lingering pain of the separation. The song captures the bittersweet nature of looking back on a lost love, with the title "Gray Eyes" perhaps symbolizing the melancholy and nostalgia that accompany memories of the past.
