Meaning and Lyrics of Close Calls by Quinn XCII

“Close Calls” by Quinn XCII is a poignant and reflective song that delves into the theme of missed opportunities and unresolved feelings of nostalgia.

In the first verse, the lyrics portray a sense of recklessness and longing as the singer reminisces about past moments of driving by a significant person’s house, acknowledging the passage of time and the potential alternate paths that could have been taken. The contemplation of what could have been is a common thread in this verse, highlighting the singer’s struggle with unfulfilled possibilities.

The pre-chorus sets the emotional tone of the song, emphasizing introspection and regret. The repetition of phrases like “I hit rewind” and “Won’t sleep ’cause” underscores the cyclical nature of memories and thoughts that keep resurfacing despite efforts to move forward.

The chorus reinforces the theme of near-misses and the lingering impact of past relationships. The singer expresses curiosity about the person’s current life and the lingering connection felt, despite the physical distance and emotional barriers that have since been erected. The repeated motif of coming close to reaching out symbolizes the internal conflict of wanting closure or communication but ultimately choosing to stay distanced.

The second verse deepens the narrative by recalling shared experiences and intimate moments with the person, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of memories that persist despite the passage of time. The transformation of shared jokes into mere numbers in the phone reflects the gradual fading of a once-significant connection.

In the post-chorus, the act of calling up the person feels tantalizingly close yet remains unfulfilled, highlighting the lingering emotional distance and unresolved tension between the singer and the subject of the song.

The outro, with the repeated phrase “Calling up you,” encapsulates the central dilemma of the song, illustrating the internal struggle of wanting to reach out while simultaneously fearing the consequences or complications that may arise from reopening past wounds.

Overall, “Close Calls” is a poignant reflection on the complexities of past relationships, the weight of unspoken words, and the enduring impact of missed opportunities. Through its introspective lyrics and melancholic melodies, the song captures the universal experience of grappling with nostalgia, regret, and the haunting presence of what could have been.