I tend to think of this song in the context of other songs on the album like Melpomene and Ramparts. The verses are in first person and the chorus is written in third person or as if his former lover is talking back to him. They are separated and her begging him to "let past things slide" is a reference to her hurting him, possibly cheating on him. Like "you broke the code" in Melpomene.
"There is no one after you" could mean that there is no one chasing him or seeking him harm, but I think it is meant as an assurance that she didn't leave him for someone else and that he should not feel humiliated or despondent. "No one on your back" is a bit odd though. That is usually a reference to someone nagging you to succeed or change or do their will. Possibly a twist on he doesn't have to try so hard to win her love and respect anymore.
This is a really good narrative on how we tend to idealize the past when we miss it or someone in it, and long for it again. The title has no direct tie to the song lyrics, which I think is great 'cause he feels like he is in ruins after a breakup that he feels is catastrophic. My favorite part of the song, both in lyrics and in tone, is the Polaroid reference. I have personally experienced this feeling, where you find an old (or recent) glossy physical picture of the one you love, and you become transported back to that moment. And for a few seconds, you wish you could make her feel that way again despite what you're feeling.
I tend to think of this song in the context of other songs on the album like Melpomene and Ramparts. The verses are in first person and the chorus is written in third person or as if his former lover is talking back to him. They are separated and her begging him to "let past things slide" is a reference to her hurting him, possibly cheating on him. Like "you broke the code" in Melpomene.
"There is no one after you" could mean that there is no one chasing him or seeking him harm, but I think it is meant as an assurance that she didn't leave him for someone else and that he should not feel humiliated or despondent. "No one on your back" is a bit odd though. That is usually a reference to someone nagging you to succeed or change or do their will. Possibly a twist on he doesn't have to try so hard to win her love and respect anymore.
This is a really good narrative on how we tend to idealize the past when we miss it or someone in it, and long for it again. The title has no direct tie to the song lyrics, which I think is great 'cause he feels like he is in ruins after a breakup that he feels is catastrophic. My favorite part of the song, both in lyrics and in tone, is the Polaroid reference. I have personally experienced this feeling, where you find an old (or recent) glossy physical picture of the one you love, and you become transported back to that moment. And for a few seconds, you wish you could make her feel that way again despite what you're feeling.