Song meaning of As Tears Go By by Noah Gundersen (Ft. The Forest Rangers)

"As Tears Go By" by Noah Gundersen (Ft. The Forest Rangers) featuring Phoebe Bridgers is a poignant and introspective cover of the classic Rolling Stones song. The lyrics delve into themes of loneliness, longing, and the passage of time. The song opens with the narrator observing children playing and smiling, highlighting a sense of detachment and melancholy as they watch from a distance. The line "Smiling faces I can see, but not for me" conveys a sense of isolation and emotional distance from the joy around them.

The narrator reflects on the limitations of material wealth, expressing a desire for something more meaningful and intangible. The line "My riches can't buy everything, I want to hear the children sing" juxtaposes material wealth with the simple joy of hearing children's laughter and music. This contrast emphasizes the emptiness and longing felt by the narrator despite their external success.

The repetition of the refrain "I sit and watch as tears go by" throughout the song underscores a sense of resignation and acceptance of their emotional state. The narrator observes the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life, feeling a sense of nostalgia for the past and a disconnect from the present. The line "Doing things I used to do, they think are new" reflects a sense of alienation and a longing for the innocence and simplicity of childhood.

Overall, "As Tears Go By" is a haunting and evocative rendition that captures the bittersweet essence of the original song while adding a layer of vulnerability and introspection through Noah Gundersen and Phoebe Bridgers' emotive vocals. The song's melancholic lyrics and stripped-down arrangement create a sense of intimacy and raw emotion, inviting listeners to reflect on the complexities of human emotion and the passage of time.