Song Meaning
Song Breakdown
Verse 1 - Rita Ora
The song opens with an unsettling duality. Rita Ora draws us into a landscape of emotional disarray where the protagonist feels trapped in someone else's world. The imagery of being "caught in the middle" evokes a sense of helplessness, while the metaphor of "the edge of a knife" underscores the pain that accompanies this entrapment. There’s a recognition of the impossibility of friendship in the face of deeper feelings, setting the stage for an internal conflict between the head and the heart. The line "It's my head or my heart" highlights the tension that exists when love becomes a battleground for competing desires.Pre-Chorus
As the narrative unfolds, the pre-chorus introduces a feeling of desperation. The protagonist’s hands are metaphorically tied, signifying the constraints imposed by love—yet these ties aren’t tight enough to sever the bond. The mention of a "high that I can't give up" reveals the addictive quality of this relationship, illustrating how entangled emotions can be both exhilarating and suffocating. The urgency in "Oh lord, here we go" suggests a looming recklessness, a surrender to the intoxicating highs even as the risks become clear.Chorus
The chorus bursts forth with raw honesty, encapsulating the internal struggle of indulging in a toxic relationship. The admission of potentially hating oneself tomorrow speaks to the fleeting nature of the present moment—a heady mix of freedom and consequence. The imagery of being at "the bottom of a bottle" serves as a powerful metaphor for escapism, with the "poison in the wine" symbolizing the bittersweet nature of this love. The repeated acknowledgment of the inability to change the other person reflects a painful acceptance, one that hints at resignation but also a defiance in choosing to pursue this love regardless of the consequences.Post-Chorus/Drop
In the post-chorus, the plea to "let's be lonely together" offers a bittersweet comfort. There’s an intimacy in shared loneliness, a recognition that even in isolation, togetherness can exist. The repetition of “a little less lonely together” captures a fragile hope, suggesting that perhaps, through each other’s company, they can find solace amid their shared struggles. This refrain resonates with anyone who has ever clung to a relationship that is both a refuge and a source of pain.Verse 2
The second verse continues to unravel the complexity of desire and regret. "Eyes wide shut" suggests a conscious ignorance of the risks involved, a nod to the euphoric yet perilous thrill that accompanies such passion. The line "before the rush to my blood was too much and we flatlined" conjures vivid imagery of exhilaration giving way to collapse, mirroring the emotional highs and devastating lows of love. The protagonist's realization of being "all messed up" after a familiar encounter reflects the cyclical nature of this relationship—a pattern that feels both new and painfully predictable.Chorus
Revisiting the chorus, the same themes of self-acceptance and indulgence emerge. The words are imbued with a sense of urgency and an almost reckless abandon. Here, the intoxicating pull of desire clashes with the awareness of its consequences, emphasizing the internal tug-of-war that defines many relationships. The repetition reinforces the notion that despite the inevitability of future regret, tonight’s adventure is worth the risk, capturing a fleeting moment of liberation.Post-Chorus/Drop
Once more, the call to "be lonely together" resonates, deepening the emotional connection established earlier. The repetition intensifies, evoking a sense of ritual in their bond. Each iteration serves as a mantra, underscoring the complex relationship between solitude and companionship—how, in their shared desolation, they might find some measure of comfort, even if it is temporary.Pre-Chorus
Returning to the pre-chorus, the urgency mounts again. The acknowledgment of “hands tied, but not tight enough” conveys a sense of impending action, an almost desperate need to make a choice amidst the chaos. The line reinforces the addictive nature of this connection, as they grapple with the allure of their bond despite the constraints it imposes.Chorus
The chorus closes with a familiar declaration of love’s reckless pursuit. The cyclical nature of the lyrics underscores the essence of their relationship—caught in a loop of passionate highs followed by inevitable lows. The struggle between self-identity and the pull of desire culminates in a powerful crescendo, where regret and exhilaration coexist in a bittersweet embrace.Post-Chorus/Drop
In the final repetitions, the idea of being "a little less lonely now" speaks to a gradual acceptance. The repetition softens into a hopeful resignation, suggesting that even amidst chaos, there exists a thread of connection that can tether them to one another, offering fleeting moments of solace in their shared loneliness. The song closes with a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, a dance between joy and pain that defines the human experience.Album : AVICI (01) - EP (2017)