If You Ever Come Back

The Script's song 'If You Ever Come Back' is a poignant exploration of enduring love and the hope for reconciliation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is deeply affected by the absence of a loved one, yet remains steadfast in their hope that they will return. The imagery of leaving a light in the hall and a key under the mat symbolizes an open invitation and a readiness to welcome the person back, no matter how long it takes. This act of leaving the door open is both literal and metaphorical, representing the narrator's unwavering commitment and the emotional risk they are willing to take.

The song delves into the pain of separation and the struggle to move on. Lines like 'I'm sleepin' on your side of the bed goin' out of my head now' and 'Still setting two plates on the counter but eating without 'cha' highlight the daily reminders of the loved one's absence and the difficulty of adjusting to life without them. The narrator's actions, such as setting two plates and sleeping on the loved one's side of the bed, indicate a refusal to let go and a deep-seated hope that things will return to the way they were.

Moreover, the song touches on the skepticism of others who believe the narrator is wasting their time. The line 'Now they say I'm wasting my time, 'Cuz you're never coming home' reflects the external pressure to move on, yet the narrator remains resolute. This determination is further emphasized by the comparison to historical misconceptions, 'But they used to say the world was flat but how wrong was that now,' suggesting that just as people were wrong about the world being flat, they could be wrong about the loved one never returning. The song ultimately conveys a powerful message about the strength of love and the hope that it can bring, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt.