that was then
Echoes of Love Lost: Navigating the Past in Emily James' 'That Was Then'
Lyrics
I hear your voice and my heart’s kick-started
The speaker feels a rush of emotion upon hearing the person's voice.
Through the crowd somewhere ‘round the edge of the apartment
The person is somewhere on the outskirts of the apartment amidst a crowd.
It’s been a few months and as much as I want
Despite a few months passing, there's a desire the speaker struggles to deny.
To say that I don’t want you
The speaker does want the person, despite any denial.
You’re looking back now and I start to falter
Seeing the person again causes the speaker's confidence to waver.
Cuz I keep running through the past tryna figure it out
The speaker keeps revisiting the past, trying to comprehend it.
But that was then, this is now
Recognizing the distinction between past and present, acknowledging change.
You kissed me in the kitchen light when no one was around
A moment of intimacy shared in private, possibly highlighting nostalgia.
That was then, where are we now?
Reflecting on the past and questioning the present status of the relationship.
Do you think of me at all?
Wondering if the person still thinks about the speaker.
Do you remember how it felt to hold
Recalling the feeling of being held by the person.
On to each other like we couldn’t live without
Describing an intense connection, feeling indispensable to each other.
What was then, well this is now
Emphasizing the change from the past to the current situation.
So I act unattached but you got me unguarded
The speaker tries to appear detached but is emotionally vulnerable around the person.
Just doing what I can to keep it so lighthearted
Attempting to maintain a casual demeanor despite underlying feelings.
But I can’t help the fact that my mind keeps track
The speaker involuntarily remembers the person's touch and actions.
Of everywhere your hands have been to
Reflecting on the places the person's hands have been, suggesting intimacy.
Think it’s too late now to ever restart it
Feeling it's too late to rekindle what they once had.
Cuz I keep running through the past tryna figure it out
Continuing to dwell on the past, seeking understanding.
But that was then, this is now
Reiterating the distinction between past and present.
You kissed me in the kitchen light when no one was around
A repetition of a private moment shared in the kitchen.
That was then, where are we now?
Questioning the current state of their relationship in comparison to the past.
Do you think of me at all?
Asking if the person still remembers or thinks about the speaker.
Do you remember how it felt to hold
Recalling the feeling of embracing each other tightly.
On to each other like we couldn’t live without
Describing the intensity of their connection in the past.
What was then, well this is now
Reinforcing the shift from the past to the present.
So if you feel nothing can you just say so
Asking for honesty about the person's feelings, seeking clarity.
Cuz we were never black and white, you painted a rainbow
Highlighting the complexity of their relationship, previously full of varied emotions.
Didn’t draw lines so the colors combined
Not setting boundaries, allowing their emotions to blend freely.
What shade have we bled into?
Wondering how their emotions have mixed or changed over time.
We were a summer kissed red
Metaphorically describing the passionate intensity of their past relationship.
But oh that was then
Reflecting nostalgically on the past, acknowledging its passing.
And this is now
Emphasizing the distinction between past and present once again.
Now, now, now
Reiterating the current moment in time.
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