Hey Ya

Sleep Token's rendition of 'Hey Ya' delves into the complexities and contradictions of romantic relationships. The song opens with a declaration of love and certainty, 'My baby don't mess around because she loves me so,' but quickly introduces doubt with the question, 'But does she really want it?' This juxtaposition sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the emotional turmoil that often accompanies love. The narrator acknowledges the pain of potential separation, yet also expresses gratitude for the stability provided by parental figures, highlighting the contrast between enduring familial bonds and the fragility of romantic ones.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Hey ya!' chant, serves as a cathartic release of the pent-up emotions and confusion surrounding the relationship. The lyrics, 'You think you've got it, but 'got it' just don't get it till there's nothing at all,' suggest that understanding and fulfillment in love are elusive and often misunderstood. The idea that 'separate's always better when there's feelings involved' points to the paradox that sometimes distance can bring clarity and peace, even if it contradicts the desire to be together.

The song also questions the permanence of love, pondering why we cling to the notion that love is an exception to the rule that 'nothing is forever.' This existential query underscores the denial and unhappiness that can pervade relationships, as the narrator asks, 'Why are we so in denial when we know that we're not happy here?' Sleep Token's 'Hey Ya' is a poignant reflection on the contradictions and emotional struggles inherent in love, capturing the tension between desire, doubt, and the search for genuine happiness.