Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Reminder” by Mumford & Sons
Mumford & Sons sombre tale of heartbreak, ‘Reminder’ is a song directed at an ex-lover, begging them to remember the happy moments they shared together. The plea is a solemn reminder of a past love, which although ended, still holds a place in both hearts.
The song brings the listener into the messy aftermath of a failed relationship, and touches on the emotions of sadness, rage, and regret. The title ‘Reminder’ conveys the idea of living in the regret of not being able to go back to the warmth and satisfaction a relationship can bring. Despite the confusion and pain of the end of a relationship, a part of the heart still holds on to the memories of what once was.
The opening verse speaks of the gradual, and yet sudden, unravelling, of a love that cannot be saved. This emotional turmoil is reflected in the raw lyrics: “One day I’m solid, the next sun rising feels like I’ve been down for years.” The song develops, along with the emotions of the characters, until the chorus, with its resounding “Oh, oh, oh” depicting the feeling of being torn apart. The chorus progresses to evoke a feeling of nostalgia for what could have been, or could still be: “We could’ve been only a reminder of a life that used to be.”
The song captures the conflicting emotions of heartbreak and the longing for the moments of happiness that have been lost, in a powerful and poignant way. Although the relationships has ended, their love remains in the memories of what was, and both parties are left to grieve what could have been. ‘Reminder’ leaves the listener with a heavy heart, but also with a sense of hope for a better future.