Older
Conor Matthews
The Regret of Youthful Love: Conor Matthews' 'Older'
Conor Matthews' song 'Older' delves into the bittersweet nature of young love and the regret that often accompanies it. The lyrics reflect on a past relationship that ended prematurely, not because of a lack of love, but due to the immaturity and inexperience of the individuals involved. Matthews poignantly expresses how, back then, they didn't know how to 'hold a heart without breaking it apart,' highlighting the fragility of young emotions and the mistakes made in the process of growing up.
The recurring theme in the song is the wishful thinking of having met the significant other at a later stage in life. Matthews believes that if they had met when they were older, they would have been more capable of handling the relationship with the care and maturity it deserved. This sentiment is encapsulated in the chorus, where he repeatedly wishes he had met his partner when he was older, suggesting that the relationship would have endured if they had been more mature. The lyrics 'We fucked around just a little too long, let the love get a little too strong' emphasize how their youthful recklessness and intense emotions led to promises they couldn't keep and ultimately, a love that couldn't last.
The song also touches on the lingering feelings and 'what ifs' that haunt Matthews. He wonders about his former partner's current life and who might be holding them now, a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of first loves. The repetition of 'it wouldn't be over' underscores his regret and longing for a second chance, a common theme in songs about lost love. Matthews' soulful delivery and heartfelt lyrics make 'Older' a relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced the pain of a love that ended too soon due to youthful mistakes.