Beyond the Breakup: Unpacking the Emotional Meaning of “High” by 5SOS
When Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) released their fourth studio album, CALM, in March 2020, listeners were taken on an emotional rollercoaster. Serving as the album’s poignant closing track, “High” immediately stood out. Far from a standard, cookie-cutter breakup anthem, the song dives deep into human insecurity, ego, and the desperate desire to be remembered fondly by someone who has walked away.
1. The Core Meaning: Seeking Validation After the Fall
At its surface, “High” is about a fractured relationship and the anxiety of wondering how an ex-partner perceives you now that it’s over. The central hook sets the tone:
“I hope you think of me high / I hope you think of me highly / When you’re with someone else.”
The lyrics play on a clever double entendre. On one level, wanting to be thought of “high” or “highly” means wanting to be held in high regard, respect, and positive esteem. On another, it ties into the nostalgic line, “I’ll always miss the memories of the mornings we were high,” blending emotional longing with literal or figurative states of past euphoria.
Instead of wishing ill on an ex or acting entirely indifferent, the narrator confesses a vulnerable truth: I know you’ve moved on, and I know your friends talk bad about me, but I still desperately care about the version of me that lives in your head.
2. Confronting Personal Flaws and Growth
What makes “High” resonate so deeply with fans is its brutal self-awareness. The band doesn’t paint themselves as faultless victims. Instead, lines like:
- *”Today, I’ve called to tell you
Leave a Reply