Years Ago

New West's song 'Years Ago' delves into the complex emotions of nostalgia, regret, and the lingering impact of past relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a time filled with reckless behavior and substance abuse, symbolized by the drugs stolen from a disliked roommate. This period, though chaotic, is remembered with a sense of longing and loss, highlighting how the passage of time can distort and intensify memories.

The recurring theme of thinking about a past lover more than one should suggests an unresolved emotional attachment. The singer grapples with the idea that despite the time that has passed, the feelings remain potent and unerasable. This is encapsulated in the lines, 'But time can't erase / What we had.' The use of drugs and the haze they create serve as a metaphor for the confusion and emotional turmoil experienced during and after the relationship.

The song also touches on the difficulty of moving on. The singer acknowledges that distancing themselves from the past lover is something they 'should probably do,' yet they are unwilling to let go of the hope that the other person might still need them. This internal conflict is further emphasized by the repeated line, 'Baby, I'm not letting go,' which underscores the struggle between holding on to the past and the necessity of moving forward. The final verses reveal a sense of wasted time and missed opportunities, as the singer admits to getting 'wasted' instead of pursuing what they truly need, adding another layer of regret and self-awareness to the narrative.