Turning Out Pt. ii

AJR's song "Turning Out Pt. ii" delves into the complex emotions surrounding a relationship that was never truly based on love. The lyrics reveal a deep sense of introspection and regret as the narrator comes to terms with the fact that they were never genuinely in love with their partner. Instead, they were infatuated with the idea of the person and the comfort that the relationship provided. This realization is both painful and liberating, as it forces the narrator to confront their true feelings and the consequences of their actions.

The song's chorus, "I think I probably wasn't in love with you, I think I probably loved the idea of you," encapsulates the central theme of the song. It highlights the difference between loving someone for who they are and loving the idea of being in a relationship. The narrator admits to saying "I love you" not out of genuine affection, but to avoid hurting their partner and because it was expected. This admission adds a layer of guilt and sorrow to the song, as the narrator grapples with the impact of their dishonesty.

The repeated lines, "This is gonna break your heart, I'm so sorry, yeah, I know," emphasize the inevitable pain that comes with the truth. The narrator acknowledges the hurt they have caused and the difficulty of accepting one's true self and feelings. The song also touches on the broader theme of self-acceptance, questioning whether life is about trying to love how one turns out. This introspective journey is a poignant reminder of the importance of honesty in relationships and the challenges of self-discovery.