Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

“Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” by Arctic Monkeys delves into the emotional turmoil of feeling stuck in a relationship that seems to be going nowhere. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and helplessness, as the narrator feels like every attempt to move forward only results in taking steps backward. This sentiment is encapsulated in the recurring line, “It feels like I only go backwards, baby,” which highlights the cyclical nature of their struggles.

The song explores the internal conflict between the desire to progress and the reality of stagnation. The narrator’s hopes are repeatedly dashed, as indicated by the lines, “I got my hopes up again, oh, no, not again.” This repetition underscores the persistent disappointment and the emotional toll it takes. The mention of indecision and the realization that the problem isn’t solely within the narrator adds depth to the narrative, suggesting that external factors or the dynamics of the relationship itself contribute to the feeling of being stuck.

Additionally, the song touches on the theme of unreciprocated feelings. The narrator clings to the hope that the other person’s feelings might change, as expressed in the lines, “I’m just holding on to the hope that maybe your feelings don’t show.” This unfulfilled longing adds another layer of complexity to the emotional landscape, making the sense of going backwards even more poignant. The overall tone of the song is one of melancholy and resignation, capturing the essence of a relationship that, despite the narrator’s best efforts, seems destined to remain in a state of limbo.