In 2026, Noah Kahan embarked on his first arena tour following the success of his latest album. The Great Divide debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. The album’s third single, “Doors”, was released on May 1, 2026. It peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Additionally, it peaked at No. 9 on the Hot 100. It’s a track laced in metaphors, signaling the fear of intimacy and trust issues. This is what has led to Kahan’s success as a songwriter. His songs are heavily relatable, detailing struggles within relationships.
I grew up pretendin’ sticks were little guns
I would point ’em at my dad, and he’d get mad
‘Cause God forbid I hurt someone
I’d hurt anyone I could
Anyone who got too close, and anyone who wouldn’t look
The opening verse details why he’s scared to hurt anyone. Kahan reminisces about playing with sticks when he was young. This is metaphorical for how he treats love in his life. It expresses the narrator’s fear of letting anyone too close, fearing they’d inevitably hurt each other.
That I’m the trouble ahead, that I scream in my sleep
You’re puttin’ money on red, I’m a sure bet at a losin’ streak
I keep showin’ you doors, but you can’t open them up
‘Cause it gets harder to see me the closer you try to look
This is referencing his unwillingness to open the door for his lover. Ultimately, Kahan wants to let them in, but there’s an internal conflict. There’s a hesitation from both parties that could lead to disaster.
The Fear of Abandonment
Have you ever stared directly at the sun?
Have you ever shared some closeness, so exposed
To have it spit back by someone?
So, forgive me if I jump
At the rattle of your keys
“Oh, are you leavin’?”
“No, babe, I’m just wakin’ up”
And now what?
I’m left starin’ at the ceilin’, listin’ reasons you should pack all your sh*t up
He’s expressing his acknowledgment of his vulnerability. It seems the narrator has been here before and is recognizing signs of leaving that he’s encountered before. The keys are a sure sign of abandonment, which triggers a negative response from Kahan. It seems Kahan is expecting the worst at any second, living on the edge. She isn’t leaving yet, but his fears are becoming true as he’s driving her away. He tried to allow himself to let love in and ultimately drove love away.
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