The song "Don't Let Me Know" by The Joy Formidable conveys a mix of emotions and themes, including longing, loss, and the desire for a fresh start. The lyrics paint a narrative of a person who finds themselves at a crossroads, reflecting on a past relationship and seeking solace in dreams. The song begins with the protagonist acknowledging a feeling of closure or finality, as if a light has faded or ended. They express a sense of freedom from the memories of the person they were involved with and ask for forgiveness. It suggests that they are ready for a new beginning, but they also describe this new phase as "wide and empty" like the person they were involved with once told them. This implies that they still carry traces of that person. The chorus of the song repeats the plea to not let them know when the person is gone, perhaps indicating a fear of confronting the reality of their absence. There is a sense of vulnerability and a request to be spared from the pain of separation. The protagonist doesn't want to be aware of when the person leaves, emphasizing their desire to remain in a state of blissful ignorance. The following verses contain poetic imagery, comparing the protagonist's emotions to natural elements. The mention of a river and the breathing mountains suggests a connection to nature and the inevitable cycles of life. It becomes apparent that they find it difficult to live authentically and free, while also expressing a yearning to hold onto a stolen memory, which may be their way of preserving the connection they had with the person. The song takes a turn when the protagonist talks about walking behind the person and reaching a ridge, where the person jumped to find them. This section is more cryptic and metaphorical, with diving through dreamless waters representing a state of being where history and past experiences fade away. They emphasize living in the present moment and not wanting to be aware of the person's departure. They desire to dream and remain in a state of escapism. As the song progresses, the protagonist alludes to the weight of their words and the difficulty of moving on without the person. They acknowledge the pain of their absence and express uncertainty about their ability to continue without them. The reference to a cruel wind taking the person's howl (their voice or essence) suggests the lingering presence of the person in the protagonist's life, even though they are physically gone. The song concludes with a mysterious and somewhat hopeful message, assuring that the person will return one day. It encourages the protagonist not to waste their time or potential in the absence of the person. They are urged to forget their previous understanding of life and to embrace the present moment. The plea to "don't let me go, just let me dream" encapsulates the yearning for comfort and escape from the reality of loss. Overall, "Don't Let Me Know" explores themes of longing, letting go, and the power of dreams as a means of coping with loss. The lyrics convey a complex emotional journey, and the story within the song is open to interpretation, leaving room for personal connection and reflection.
