Meaning of “Black Friday” by Tom Odell

Desire for Happiness and Guidance: “Black Friday” begins with the narrator expressing a desire to enjoy life, seek happiness, and be part of the celebration. However, he seems unsure about how to achieve these feelings, seeking guidance.

Admiration: The singer shows admiration for someone, comparing them to the sun and remarking on their radiant beauty. There’s a sense of longing, where the person he’s singing about is perceived as an epitome of beauty and positivity.

Moment of Intimacy: “Black Friday” is typically known as a hectic shopping day post-Thanksgiving, but here, it seems to represent a moment of pause, intimacy, and connection in the chaos. The mention of being in a black taxi and the physical touch of hands showcases a moment of closeness and comfort.

Internal Struggles and Insecurities: The chorus dives deep into the internal conflicts of the singer. There’s a stark contrast between his perception and reality. While he’s drowning in his insecurities and feeling lost, the other person is compassionate and kind. The singer’s feelings of suffocation and self-doubt are further emphasized when he mentions looking in the mirror, questioning his self-worth.

Pursuit of Perfection: The singer highlights the societal pressures of looking perfect and fitting into certain standards. He wishes for flawless skin and a perfect physique, driven by the desire to match up to the people around his loved one.

Ephemeral Touch: Again, the singer’s admiration for the person is evident. This time, the comparison is with the wind, indicating the fleeting and transient nature of their touch but still powerful enough to induce an adrenaline rush.

Intimate Moments and Discrepancy: Another intimate moment is described, marking the end of a week, emphasizing the contrast between the singer’s internal darkness and the other person’s light. The physical touch against the cheek suggests comfort and warmth, yet the singer feels overshadowed by his internal turmoil.

Relationship Strains: The singer’s internal struggles and insecurities seem to affect his relationship. While he once felt love and trust, now he questions the very foundation of their relationship, hinting at possible strains and misunderstandings.

Repetition for Emphasis: The repeated line, “What is happening to us?” accentuates the confusion, fear, and uncertainty of where the relationship is heading.

In summary, “Black Friday” by Tom Odell delves deep into personal insecurities, societal pressures, and the challenges they pose in relationships. The song juxtaposes moments of intimacy with feelings of self-doubt, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and relationships.