Released: 2019
Loyle Carner’s song “Carluccio” paints an emotional portrait of love, loss, and the memories that persist in their wake. At its heart, the track is an intimate reflection on the passing of a cherished figure, infused with personal memories and the ambivalence of nostalgia. Carner, with his characteristic narrative style, navigates themes of connection and disconnection, conveying a yearning for a simpler past amid life’s complexities.
The hook, with its pleading simplicity “Don’t leave / Please / I reckon that you’re everything I need,” encapsulates the raw, vulnerable sentiment that permeates the song. This earnest plea speaks to the universal fear of loss, the anxiety that those we hold dear might slip away, leaving us grappling with their absence.
Carner opens the first verse by reflecting on the pressures and challenges of intimacy, portrayed vividly in the imagery of “Sleeping in each other’s pockets living up each other’s sleeves.” This metaphor captures the closeness and intensity of relationships, often both comforting and confining. The line “It’s the greed” signals a recognition of how personal desires can intrude, underscoring a recurring conflict between individual needs and shared goals.
Throughout the verse, Carner muses on themes of doubt and expectation, with lines like “Reckon that I couldn’t take the lead / just become another one who milks the sun until it bleeds.” Here, he reflects on societal pressures and the fear of failing to live up to them. His self-reflection continues as he recalls happier times “marking essays” and “making a roast,” simple domestic pleasures now tinged with the sadness of lost potential.
The mention of “the day we lost Carluccio” serves as a poignant reminder of the song’s emotional core, grounding these reflections in the reality of bereavement. Carluccio, presumably a mentor or friend, becomes a symbol of past stability and happiness, now absent, casting a shadow over the present.
The interlude, “(And uhm, it’s been a struggle sometimes)”, acts as a moment of vulnerability, providing listeners with insight into Carner’s internal struggles and grief. It’s a poignant pause, allowing the weight of previous lines to linger.
The second verse transports listeners to memories of youthful romance and the wistful allure of dreams unfulfilled. Lines like “evening / Swimming in the deep end / Wishing I was savage” juxtapose youthful daring with vulnerability, encapsulating the transformative power of love and the pain of nostalgia.
As Carner reflects on the trajectory of his relationship, “Now its all a house out in Italy / Ceremony in Sicily / The dreams so bittersweet,” he portrays the complex blend of past aspirations and current realities. The tension between dreams and their sometimes-bitter fulfillment underscores the complexity of life’s journey.
The recurring phrase “the way we lost Carluccio” ties each verse and the narrative together, emphasizing the song’s theme of coping with loss. It’s not just about losing Carluccio but also the metaphorical loss of innocence, simplicity, and unconditional connections.
In its closing, the track reaffirms Carner’s message: the importance of cherishing moments, acknowledging pain, and continuing to love despite life’s relentless forward march. Carner masterfully encapsulates the emotional paradox of looking back, illustrating how our histories shape who we are and our path forward. This song not only celebrates memory but also navigates the melancholy of reminiscence.
