Always Hate Me

James Blunt's song "Always Hate Me" delves into the raw emotions of heartbreak and regret. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who is grappling with the pain of seeing his former lover with someone else. The opening lines, "Oh, God, it hurt / The moment that I saw you / With someone else," immediately set the tone for the song, highlighting the deep emotional wound that the protagonist is experiencing. This sense of loss is compounded by his realization that his own shallow heart and inability to express his feelings have contributed to the end of the relationship.

Throughout the song, Blunt reflects on his past mistakes and the things he wishes he had said. The repeated line, "I never meant to hurt you / It's just something I do," suggests a pattern of behavior that he regrets but feels powerless to change. This admission of fault, however, does little to mend the broken relationship, as the chorus emphasizes the permanence of the rift: "And she will always hate me / No matter what I say / The love is gone." The use of the word "always" underscores the finality of the breakup and the enduring nature of her resentment.

The song also explores the theme of unreciprocated feelings and the loneliness that follows. Blunt's acknowledgment that he is "holding on to / The good we had" despite knowing it's wrong, reveals his struggle to let go of the past. The line, "I'm not supposed to be the one who's lonely," further highlights his internal conflict and the unexpected role reversal in the aftermath of the breakup. Ultimately, "Always Hate Me" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love, regret, and the enduring pain of lost connections.