Never Meant

American Football's song 'Never Meant' delves into the complex emotions surrounding the end of a relationship. The lyrics capture a moment of reflection and acceptance, where the narrator and their partner decide to part ways. The opening lines, 'Let's just forget / Everything said / Everything we did,' set the tone for a mutual agreement to move on, highlighting the desire to erase the past to ease the pain of separation. The mention of 'best friends and better halves' suggests that the relationship was once deeply meaningful, making the decision to end it even more poignant.

The song's narrative continues with a nostalgic look back at the 'autumn night when we realized / We were falling out of love.' This imagery evokes a sense of melancholy and the inevitable change that comes with the passing of time. The line 'There were some things that were said that weren't meant' hints at misunderstandings and regrets that may have contributed to the relationship's decline. Despite these moments of miscommunication, the realization that 'we never did' truly fall out of love adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that the feelings were genuine but ultimately unsustainable.

In the final verse, the narrator adopts a pragmatic approach, stating, 'Not to be / Overly dramatic / I just think it's best / Cause you can't miss what you forget.' This sentiment underscores the idea that letting go and pretending 'everything and / Anything between you and me / Was never meant' is a coping mechanism to deal with the heartache. The song encapsulates the bittersweet nature of endings, where the pain of loss is intertwined with the hope of moving forward. American Football's signature blend of emo and indie rock, characterized by intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics, perfectly complements the song's themes of love, loss, and acceptance.