Meaning of “What Once Was” by Her’s
“What Once Was” explores themes of love, memory, and the passage of time. Here’s a breakdown of the song’s meaning based on its lyrics:
Nostalgia and Memories
The title itself, “What Once Was,” immediately introduces a sense of looking back and reminiscing about the past. The lyrics focus on memories of a past relationship or time in the singer’s life that was special to him.
Changing Nature of Love and Relationships
The lyrics “Love’s always better when it finally stops moving” touch upon the transient nature of love and the longing for stability. Love can often feel chaotic and uncertain, but there’s a yearning for moments when it feels settled and comfortable.
Passage of Time
The song acknowledges the inevitability of change with time. The lines “Guess that’s what you get, for trying to pick a rose” allude to the fleeting beauty of moments, similar to the short-lived beauty of a plucked flower.
Desire to Recapture Lost Moments
The lyrics also hint at a desire to go back and relive or hold onto those cherished moments or feelings. This is evident in the lines “Won’t you bring back all of these antiques from the past?” The “antiques” here metaphorically represent old memories or feelings.
Acceptance of Change
Even though there’s a strong sense of nostalgia and yearning throughout the song, there’s also an underlying tone of acceptance. The realization that memories are in the past, and while they can be cherished, they can’t be relived.
Impermanence of Emotions
The song discusses the fleeting nature of feelings and memories. Emotions, much like memories, are subject to change, and while they can be powerful in the moment, they might not have the same intensity in the future.
In essence, “What Once Was” by Her’s dives deep into the human experience of recalling cherished memories, grappling with change, and navigating the intricate tapestry of emotions associated with love and time. The lyrics poignantly capture the universal sentiment of longing for the past, while also acknowledging the inevitability of change.
When was “What Once Was” released?
28th April, 2016 saw the release of “What Once Was”. It’s part of the band’s debut compilation album, “Songs of Her’s”.
Am listening to this know..
This song is such a jam.i love it kinda helping me with my anxiety