End Of the Summer

Alec Benjamin's 'End Of the Summer' is a poignant reflection on missed opportunities and the enduring nature of young love. The song begins with a nostalgic look back at a time when the narrator was fifteen and living in his parents' house. He recalls meeting a girl he loved but was too scared to confess his feelings to. This unspoken love becomes a central theme, as he repeatedly emphasizes, 'I loved her still.' The repetition underscores the depth and persistence of his feelings, which have remained unchanged over the years.

As the song progresses, the narrator reveals that both he and the girl moved away to different schools in different towns. Despite the passage of time and the physical distance between them, his feelings have not waned. The chorus reflects on the mistakes made in youth and the regret of not discovering love sooner. The phrase 'Love at the end of the summer' symbolizes a missed chance, a seasonal metaphor for the fleeting nature of opportunities and the inevitable passage of time.

The song's bridge delves deeper into the narrator's internal conflict. He imagines scenarios where he could express his feelings, but ultimately resigns himself to the fact that he never will. This resignation is tinged with a sense of longing and what-ifs, as he wonders if it's too late to discover love. The repetition of 'I love you still' throughout the song serves as a haunting reminder of his unresolved emotions. The final verses highlight his nightly ritual of hoping that the girl thinks of him, a bittersweet blend of hope and melancholy.

'End Of the Summer' captures the universal experience of looking back on past relationships with a mix of nostalgia and regret. Alec Benjamin's emotive storytelling and melodic composition make this song a relatable and touching exploration of young love and the enduring impact of missed opportunities.