Half As Good As You (feat. Alice Merton)

Tom Odell's song "Half As Good As You (feat. Alice Merton)" delves into the deep emotional turmoil that follows a breakup. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's daily struggle to move on from a past relationship. The opening lines, where he describes the mundane act of eating breakfast alone and spilling coffee on his phone, set the tone for a day filled with melancholy and longing. The act of scrolling through pictures of the ex-lover signifies an inability to let go, a common experience for many who have loved deeply and lost.

The chorus, "If I ever find anyone half as good as you, I think maybe that will do," encapsulates the essence of the song. It speaks to the high pedestal on which the ex-lover is placed, making it nearly impossible for anyone new to measure up. This sentiment is further emphasized in the verse where the protagonist kisses a stranger but finds no solace or connection, highlighting the emptiness and futility of trying to replace someone irreplaceable.

The song also touches on the frustration and impatience that come with waiting for emotional healing. The protagonist's suspicion that the ex-lover might also be thinking of him adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that the feelings might be mutual, yet unresolved. The reference to learning the lyrics to the ex-lover's songs but struggling with one particular line symbolizes the difficulty of fully understanding and moving past the relationship. Overall, the song is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the arduous journey of moving on.