Post Break-Up Sex

The Vaccines' song "Post Break-Up Sex" delves into the complex and often painful emotions that follow the end of a romantic relationship. The lyrics capture the raw and unfiltered feelings of betrayal, confusion, and the desperate search for solace in the aftermath of a breakup. The narrator grapples with the reality of their ex-partner seeking comfort in the arms of someone else, highlighting the emotional dissonance that comes with post-breakup intimacy.

The song opens with a sense of disbelief and hurt, as the narrator confronts their ex about their actions. The repeated question, "Didn't we say we had a deal?" underscores the broken promises and the sense of betrayal felt by the narrator. The mention of "someone up the social scale" suggests a feeling of inadequacy and the painful realization that their ex-partner has moved on to someone perceived as better or more suitable.

The chorus, with its repetitive and almost resigned tone, emphasizes the futility of seeking comfort in post-break-up sex. The line "What did you expect from post break-up sex?" serves as a rhetorical question, pointing out the emptiness and temporary nature of such encounters. The song also touches on the guilt and shame that often accompany these actions, as seen in the lines "Leave it till the guilt consumes" and "Fucking in the nearest room." The narrator's internal struggle is palpable, as they oscillate between anger, sadness, and a longing for understanding.

Ultimately, "Post Break-Up Sex" by The Vaccines is a poignant exploration of the emotional aftermath of a breakup. It captures the complexity of human emotions and the often misguided attempts to find solace in fleeting physical connections. The song serves as a reminder of the pain and confusion that can accompany the end of a relationship, and the difficulty of moving on in a healthy and meaningful way.