The Way We Were (feat. Plested)

Kygo's song 'The Way We Were,' featuring Plested, is a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the longing for second chances in a past relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dream where the past feels as real and unaltered as ever, suggesting a deep-seated hope that it's not too late to rekindle what once was. This dream serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's desire to return to a time when things were simpler and happier, highlighting the universal human experience of yearning for the past.

The chorus, with its repetitive and almost hypnotic chant of 'Just the way we were,' underscores the emotional weight of these memories. The protagonist is 'alive through the memories,' indicating that these recollections are not just passive thoughts but active, life-sustaining forces. The lyrics 'Time-wasting, life-changing' suggest that while time has passed and life has inevitably changed, the essence of what they had remains significant and worth revisiting. This duality of time as both a healer and a thief is a central theme in the song.

The verses add layers to this narrative by recalling specific moments of joy and intimacy, such as 'day drunk dancin' with your eyes closed.' These small, seemingly insignificant moments are what make the memories so powerful and enduring. The song captures the bittersweet nature of nostalgia—how it can bring both comfort and pain. The repeated plea for a return to 'the way we were' is a testament to the enduring impact of past relationships and the hope that, despite the changes, some things can remain beautifully unchanged.