Lyrically, "Carolyn" is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that explores themes of love, loss, and longing. The song features Twigs' characteristic ethereal vocals, which are accompanied by a sparse piano melody and a delicate, shimmering beat. The song's lyrics are poetic and introspective, with Twigs expressing her feelings of longing and regret for a lost love. The song's title, "Carolyn," is actually the name of the protagonist's daughter, and the song is about how their lives will be better off without the man they are both involved with.
"Carolyn" was met with critical acclaim from music critics, who praised the song's production, Twigs' vocals, and the song's emotional resonance. The song was also a commercial success, reaching number 23 on the UK Singles Chart and number 12 on the US Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
The song's music video, which was directed by Twigs and choreographed by Hiroaki Umeda, was released on August 12, 2014. The music video features Twigs performing the song in a variety of different settings, including a desert, a forest, and a city. The music video also features a number of dance sequences, which were choreographed by Umeda.
Here are some of the main interpretations of the song's meaning:
1. Longing for a Lost Love: The song is about the protagonist's longing for a lost love. She expresses her feelings of sadness, regret, and longing, and reflects on the moments they shared together.
2. Reflection on a Toxic Relationship: The song is about a woman's reflection on her past toxic relationship with a man named "Robert" and how she is better off without him.
3. Power of Women's Resilience: The song is said to be an empowering anthem for women, as it celebrates the resilience of women who have the power to overcome toxic relationships and find new strength.
4. Complex Emotional Journey: The song explores the complex emotional journey of a person going through a breakup, capturing the different stages of grief, acceptance, and healing.
5. Finding Inner Strength: The song is seen as an anthem for finding inner strength and self-worth, as the protagonist ultimately finds the courage to let go of the unhealthy relationship.
Ultimately, the song's meaning is subjective and can be interpreted in different ways, as each listener may relate to the song based on their own personal experiences and emotions.