Unboxing Lyrics: 5sos Edition *ALBUMS ONLY*

Want You Back

Writers: Luke, Calum, Ashton, FRND, Steve Mac, Jacob Kasher and Asia Whiteacre

Genre: Pop

Lyrics and Their Meaning:

Can't help but wondering if this
Is the last time that I'll see your face
Is it tears or just the fucking rain?
Wish I could say something

The protagonist and their partner have just broken up, and the partner hasn't taken it very well. I sense that there is rain there and the protagonist just wants to know what's going on, but they can't say anything. It's almost a jumble of thoughts that run through your brain as you're breaking up with your partner.

Something that doesn't sound insane
But lately I don't trust my brain
You tell me I won't ever change
So I just say nothing (say nothing, say nothing)

The protagonist is stuck in their head, just wanting to say something that doesn't really help the situation. Take Leo Valdez as an example, he's in pain and decides to lighten up the mood with a joke. That joke is not really what is needed at this point, yet he still does it.

The protagonist decided that they're just going to sit there quietly and shut up because they don't want to hurt this any more.  

No matter where I go, I'm always gonna want you back
No matter how long you're gone, I'm always gonna want you back
I know you know I will never get over you
No matter where I go, I'm always gonna want you back
Want you back

The protagonist can't get over their lost lover. And they will always want them back! No matter where they are in the world (link to the tour lifestyle) or how long they've been broken up. It's almost a toxic relationship because the partner knows that the protagonist will never get over them.

I remember the freckles on your back
And the way that I used to make you laugh
'Cause you know every morning I wake up
Yeah I still reach for you

The protagonist is reminiscing on their time with their ex. Remembering every last detail and saying that they truly are not fine at all! 

I remember the roses on your shirt
When you told me this would never work
You know even when I say I've moved on
Yeah I still dream for you

Roses seem to be a common theme on this album and its artwork. Again with the specific details from certain memories. The protagonist is trying to convince themselves that they've moved on, when all of their nightly dreams (and daydreams) consist of their ex lover. 

You know even when I say I moved on
You know even though I know that you're gone
All I think about is where I went wrong

Memories, all alone in the moonlight...

Sorry, my musical theatre geek just came out, but everything about the bridge and second verse screams MEMORIES! And important yet vague details. The indecisiveness of this protagonist is actually killing me! The couple broke up, but the protagonist still wants them back.

Yay or Nay: Now, I would be lying if I didn't say YAY because Want you Back is a bop!

What It Reminds Me Of: Like the boys said in a video from Amsterdam, Want You Back is about wanting someone back. It's about the stages of denial in a relationship where a partner wants their ex back.