Meaning of Wishes - Beach House

The lyrics of Beach House's song "Wishes" intricately explore the profound themes of uncertainty, yearning, and the transient essence of time. Commencing with the evocative imagery of roses adorning a lawn, the song symbolically juxtaposes beauty with fragility, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in ambiguity. The line, "don't know which side you're on," subtly hints at the pervasive ambiguity and indecisiveness prevalent in relationships or circumstances where allegiances or convictions remain obscure.

Throughout the lyrical journey, a pervasive sense of disorientation and bewilderment permeates the narrative, accentuated by the recurring motif of "wishes on a wheel." This recurrent phrase poignantly encapsulates the cyclical nature of aspirations and yearnings, with desires perpetually revolving without finding resolution. The mention of voices persisting in the hall, "carry on their talking," signifies the enduring presence of external distractions that impede inner reflection and introspection.

The chorus of the song introduces existential inquiries concerning the essence of reality and perception, posing the poignant question: "Is it even real?" This existential uncertainty resonates with the universal human experience of grappling with the authenticity of one's emotions and encounters. The references to fleeting moments of connection and poignant memories that evoke a sense of longing further underscore the intricacies of human relationships and the poignant interplay between joy and melancholy.

As the lyrical narrative unfolds, it contemplates the rarity of profound experiences, encapsulated in the lines: "One in your life / It happens once and rarely twice." In these verses, Beach House acknowledges the ephemeral nature of significant moments, urging listeners to cherish them when they transpire. The recurrent refrain of "wishes on a wheel" serves to underscore the perpetual cycle of longing and uncertainty that characterizes the human condition.

The culminating lines of the song, "On that hill, forever still," evoke a haunting sense of perpetual stasis, where time seems suspended, yet uncertainty prevails. Ultimately, "Wishes" beckons listeners to contemplate the transient nature of desires and aspirations, inviting them on an introspective journey to navigate life's uncertainties with grace and resilience.