The Meaning Behind The Song: Johanna by Suki Waterhouse

Introduction

As a listener, I’ve always been fascinated by songs that have a deep and profound meaning hidden in their lyrics. One such song that captured my attention is “Johanna” by Suki Waterhouse. Released on September 20, 2019, as part of her EP “Milk Teeth,” this track delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the longing for someone we can’t have.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Johanna” tell a story of a person desperately searching for someone, asking where they are and expressing their inability to find them. The repetition of the lines “Can’t find you, can’t find you, Where are you? Where are you?” emphasizes the narrator’s frustration and longing.

In the first verse, the narrator admits to putting up a facade of toughness while deep down, they were harboring a crush on Johanna. The name holds significance, as it symbolizes the unattainable desire for someone who is out of reach. This theme continues throughout the song, representing the longing for something or someone that seems just beyond grasp.

In the second verse, the narrator reminisces about a breakfast meeting with Johanna, where she shared her darkest secrets. The intimacy and trust shared between them are evident, emphasizing the depth of their connection. However, it also highlights the narrator’s awareness of the impossibility of their relationship.

The third verse delves into the narrator’s identity crisis, questioning who they truly are and feeling confused and used in a previous relationship. The mention of electric lights and lucky strikes creates a vivid imagery of the passionate moments they shared on the dance floor. But even in those intense moments, the narrator acknowledges that their desire for Johanna arises from the inability to have her.

The Meaning

“Johanna” captures the universal experience of longing for something or someone we can’t have. It explores the complexities of unrequited love and the emotions that come with it – desire, frustration, and confusion. Suki Waterhouse’s soulful delivery adds depth and vulnerability to the lyrics, making the listener truly feel the pain and longing portrayed in the song.

The bridge of the song signifies a turning point, where the narrator acknowledges that they and Johanna were only pretending to be something they couldn’t be. The realization is accompanied by the news of Johanna’s happy ending, which brings a sense of bittersweet acceptance.

The outro repeats the name Johanna one more time, emphasizing the would-be lover’s final confession that they only long for her because she is unattainable. This realization highlights the universal human tendency to yearn for what is beyond our reach.

Personal Reflection

Listening to “Johanna” takes me back to a time when I was also caught in the web of unrequited love. The lyrics resonate with my own experiences of longing and the internal conflict that comes with it. The song serves as a reminder that sometimes, our desires can be fueled by the unattainability of the object of our affection, rather than genuine connection.

In conclusion, “Johanna” by Suki Waterhouse is a beautifully crafted song that explores the complex emotions and longing associated with unrequited love. Through its heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery, it resonates with listeners who have experienced the pain of desiring someone they can’t have. It serves as a reminder to reflect on our own desires and motivations, ultimately questioning if we truly want something or someone for the right reasons.

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