Supposed To Be

Tom Odell's song 'Supposed To Be' delves into the emotional aftermath of a breakup and the journey of self-discovery that follows. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist sitting on a rooftop, observing the natural world around him. This setting serves as a metaphor for his introspective state, as he watches birds flying free and rain becoming the sea, symbolizing the flow and transformation of life. The rooftop becomes a place of reflection where he contemplates his past relationship and the inevitability of its end.

The song's narrative shifts to the breakup, highlighting the pain and confusion that comes with it. The protagonist's ex-partner moves on quickly, finding a new boyfriend, which stings and feels premature to him. This part of the song captures the universal experience of seeing an ex move on and the lingering feelings of inadequacy and loss. The line 'And it was always supposed to be like that' suggests a sense of fatalism, as if the breakup and subsequent events were predestined, adding a layer of melancholy to the song.

As the song progresses, the protagonist questions his path forward, asking how many falls it will take until he can 'fly' and how many roads he must travel to find himself. These questions reflect his struggle with self-identity and the search for meaning after the end of a significant relationship. The repetition of the rooftop imagery in the final verse signifies a moment of fleeting freedom and clarity, where he feels momentarily unburdened by societal expectations and the weight of his past. The song concludes with the poignant realization that love, while beautiful, is often unkind, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of human connections.