Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Alcohol Eyes” by Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack’s ‘Alcohol Eyes’ tackles the difficult topic of a relationship defined by its difficulty, from the perspective of an alcoholic partner.
The narrator of the song laments what they have been through in the relationship, admitting that memories can still make them ‘drink tears’. They also describe the difficulty of trying to keep their partner saddled in their mind, and doing whatever it takes to keep them there. In this instance, alcohol seems to be a way for them to keep their partner close, even though it only brings them further away.
The chorus of ‘Alcohol Eyes’ alludes to how the lover has been upended and warped by alcohol, with their ‘alcohol eyes’ that don’t see the hurt and sorrow that the narrator is feeling. This feels like a metaphor for how alcoholism can blind someone to the pain and hurt caused to those around them. The narrator also comes to the realization that the relationship never had a chance from the start, due to the pervasive presence of alcohol.
The song speaks to the reality that sometimes trying to stay in a relationship can be too taxing, to the point where it’s easier to just leave than to try keep someone around who may be harming you. Ultimately, the song is a testament to the idea that it’s important to be able to recognize when a relationship has reached its end and may be better to just move on. While it does so in a somber and heartbreaking way, ‘Alcohol Eyes’ is ultimately a song about moving on and being able to begin anew.