What You Heard

Sonder's 'What You Heard' is a song that delves into the complexities of a romantic relationship, particularly one that is fraught with insecurity, miscommunication, and a power struggle. The lyrics suggest a narrative where the speaker is addressing a partner, discussing the dynamics of their relationship and the emotional turmoil it entails. The song's title, 'What You Heard,' could imply the rumors or perceptions that others have about their relationship, or perhaps the misunderstandings between the partners themselves.

The song opens with a confession of the speaker's tendency to 'fuck your mind up' and 'waste time,' indicating a self-awareness of their own flaws. The repeated lines 'What's the word? Tell me what you've heard' suggest a desire for clarity and truth in the midst of confusion. The phrase 'just tell me when it hurts' implies a raw and possibly toxic relationship where pain is an expected part of the interaction. The use of the word 'murder' when the speaker gets the partner to themselves could be a metaphor for the intensity and possibly destructive nature of their love.

The latter part of the song introduces a competitive element, with the speaker claiming they could be a better lover than the partner's current or past interests. There's a sense of bravado and possessiveness, as the speaker offers material gifts and promises to eclipse the partner's memories of previous relationships. The song ends with a reassurance that the partner doesn't need to worry, yet this assurance seems to be undercut by the earlier admissions of the speaker's problematic behavior. Overall, 'What You Heard' paints a picture of a tumultuous relationship where love and pain are intertwined, and where the speaker's intentions are as conflicted as the emotions they evoke.