Real

Years & Years' song 'Real' delves into the complexities of a relationship where one person is deeply invested, while the other remains hesitant and distant. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional turmoil and the longing for genuine connection. The opening lines, 'I broke my bones / Playing games with you,' suggest a history of emotional pain and effort, indicating that the narrator has been hurt in their attempts to connect with their partner. This sets the stage for a narrative of unreciprocated feelings and the struggle to understand what the other person truly wants.

The chorus, 'Oh, I / I think I'm into you / How much do you want it too / What are you prepared to do,' highlights the narrator's desperation for mutual affection and commitment. The repeated questioning underscores their confusion and frustration, as they seek clarity and validation from their partner. The lines 'I talk to you but it don't work / I touched you but it starts to hurt' further emphasize the emotional disconnect and the pain that comes with unfulfilled desires. The narrator's willingness to change and adapt, 'I'd be better, I'd be good / And I'll do what you like if you stay the night,' reveals their deep yearning for acceptance and love.

The recurring phrase 'Love, I will let you go' serves as a poignant refrain, symbolizing the narrator's internal conflict between holding on and letting go. This line captures the essence of the song's emotional struggle, as the narrator grapples with the idea of releasing their partner in hopes of finding peace. The song's conclusion, 'Oh, it's enough to feel better / If I could,' leaves listeners with a sense of unresolved tension, reflecting the ongoing battle between hope and resignation. 'Real' by Years & Years is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love, highlighting the pain of unreciprocated feelings and the longing for genuine connection.