Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Phantom Pains” by Nicole Dollanganger
“Phantom Pains” by Nicole Dollanganger paints a vivid portrait of the lingering pain and emptiness a person feels after a significant breakup. The song narrates the despair and helplessness they experience despite the end of a relationship that had once provided them solace and love. The singer’s lyrics reflect the confusion and loneliness inherent in the aftermath of ending a relationship, as the pain they feel is difficult to process and understand.
The first verse conveys the sentiment that despite the breakup, they are unable to vanish the memories and feelings of being in love, no matter how much they try to run away from it. The imagery of being “unable to float” suggests a lack of control over the situation, and that feeling of being stuck in limbo.
The chorus speaks to the difficulty of being able to break free of the person that had once meant everything to them, despite wanting to move on. The invocation to “just let me be free” reveals their underlying struggle with trying to forget and more importantly, trying to forgive, all the hurt that had been caused.
Ultimately, the song speaks to the deep emotional trauma that people experience after a breakup. It touches on the internal struggle between wanting to move 0on, and yet still feeling the deep impact and pain of the loss.