"Endtapes" by The Joy Formidable is a song that explores themes of attachment, endings, and the struggle to let go. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and desperation to hold on to something or someone that is slipping away. The repetition of the line "Sellotape an end to" suggests a futile attempt to mend or fix a broken situation. The reference to Sellotape, which is a brand of adhesive tape, symbolizes the desire to hold things together and prevent them from falling apart. However, it implies that this effort is ultimately temporary and cannot fully repair what is already broken. The lyrics also mention being "uptightly" and "upstairs in corners," which could be interpreted as feeling confined or trapped in a certain situation or relationship. There is a sense of tension and unease reflected in the lines "Harder thought, mosquito / Right down / my fickle hands, machine surprises / meant for me," possibly hinting at the struggle to maintain control and keep things from unraveling. The mention of a "beacon" and the idea of having "four more lines" could symbolize searching for guidance or direction in a tumultuous situation. It portrays a longing for reassurance, stability, or a sense of purpose. As the song progresses, the lyrics touch upon the idea of a broken relationship or connection. The lines "Turning on the pages first / Sellotape an end to" suggest a desire to rewind or go back in time to fix what went wrong. However, the realization sets in that it is impossible to reverse or salvage what has already ended. The chorus emphasizes the emotional turmoil that comes with endings and the difficulty of letting go. The repeated phrase "Feels years, leaves knots, bleeds burst, keeps apart" suggests the pain and struggle involved in accepting the end of something significant. Overall, "Endtapes" captures the complex emotions and conflicts surrounding attachment, endings, and the human tendency to cling to what is familiar, even when it is no longer healthy or sustainable. It portrays the internal struggle between holding on and moving on, highlighting the bittersweet nature of endings.
