Even (feat. Van Zee & FRANKIEONTHEGUITAR)

Richie Campbell's song 'Even' delves into the complexities of love, regret, and self-awareness. The lyrics reveal a narrative of a man who acknowledges the pain he has caused his partner but also admits to his own suffering. The song opens with a confession of broken promises and the internal darkness that plagues the narrator, despite the external sunshine. This juxtaposition highlights the internal conflict and the realization that material wealth cannot mend emotional wounds. The line 'And I know my pride bigger than my heart' underscores the struggle between ego and genuine emotion, a recurring theme in the song.

The chorus, 'I know that I hurt you, but I want you to know that we're even 'cause I hurt myself too,' serves as a poignant admission of mutual pain. It suggests that the narrator's actions have not only hurt his partner but have also led to his own emotional turmoil. This mutual suffering creates a sense of balance, albeit a tragic one, where both parties are equally wounded. The repetition of this line throughout the song emphasizes the depth of the narrator's regret and his desire for his partner to understand his perspective.

The song also touches on the theme of missed opportunities and the longing for reconciliation. Lines like 'I guess I met the right one at the wrong time' and 'Wish we could talk one day, forget we lost our way' reflect a yearning to mend the broken relationship. However, the narrator is also aware of the irreversible damage caused, as indicated by 'But I could never come back.' The inclusion of Portuguese phrases adds a layer of cultural depth, reflecting Campbell's diverse background and the universal nature of love and regret. Ultimately, 'Even' is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of love, the pain of self-realization, and the bittersweet acceptance of mutual hurt.