Me Before You

Bleachers' song 'Me Before You' delves into the transformative power of love and how it can change one's life trajectory. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's life before meeting a significant other, marked by feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and a sense of being lost. The opening lines, 'Better at the bed / I couldn't play ball / I dreamt of anybody's world / I wasn't ready at all,' suggest a person who felt unprepared and disconnected from the world around them. This sense of disconnection is further emphasized by the recurring phrase 'That was me blue,' indicating a state of melancholy and emotional turmoil.

The song also touches on themes of self-medication and escapism, as seen in the lines 'Crossfaded in the dark, have a smoke, yeah / Take another drink or walk with the newsplan.' These behaviors are portrayed as coping mechanisms for dealing with loneliness and existential dread. The bed, described as 'a place for the lonely,' symbolizes a sanctuary that the protagonist has built for themselves, a place where they could retreat and find solace, albeit in a somewhat unhealthy manner.

However, the turning point in the song comes with the introduction of a significant other, who brings about a profound change in the protagonist's life. The repeated line 'That was me before you' serves as a powerful reminder of the transformation that love can bring. The protagonist's life, once filled with loneliness and self-doubt, is now imbued with a sense of purpose and connection. The song beautifully captures the essence of how love can be a catalyst for personal growth and emotional healing, turning a life of 'blue' into one of hope and fulfillment.