“Past Lives” by BØRNS is a captivating exploration of love that transcends time and space. The song delves into themes of reincarnation, destiny, and the deep connections formed through past experiences.
With its ethereal melodies and heartfelt lyrics, BØRNS expresses a longing for a love that feels both familiar and destined, suggesting that the bonds we share can withstand the trials of time.
The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and devotion, as the speaker reflects on their relationship’s significance and the belief that their love is meant to be.
Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, “Past Lives” invites listeners to contemplate the timeless nature of love and the idea that true connections endure beyond lifetimes.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Past Lives” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
Past lives couldn’t ever hold me down
Lost love is sweeter when it’s finally found
I’ve got the strangest feelin’
This isn’t our first time around
Past lives couldn’t ever come between us
Sometimes the dreamers finally wake up
Don’t wake me, I’m not dreamin’
Don’t wake me, I’m not dreamin’
In this verse, the speaker reflects on the idea of reincarnation and how past experiences (or “past lives”) cannot hinder their current love. The mention of “lost love” suggests that while past relationships may have been painful, they ultimately lead to a deeper appreciation for the present.
The line “This isn’t our first time around” implies a sense of familiarity and a belief in a destined connection. The refrain “Don’t wake me, I’m not dreamin'” emphasizes a desire to remain in this blissful state of love.
Verse 2
All my past lives, they got nothin’ on me
Golden eagle, you’re the one and only flying high
Through the cities in the sky
I’ll take you way back, countless centuries
Don’t you remember that you were meant to be
My Queen of Hearts, meant to be my love?
Here, the speaker continues to express confidence in their relationship, asserting that their past lives have no bearing on their current bond. The imagery of a “golden eagle” symbolizes freedom and transcendence, suggesting that their love is unique and elevated.
The reference to “countless centuries” evokes a timeless quality to their connection, while calling the partner “Queen of Hearts” reinforces themes of romance and devotion.
Pre-Chorus
Through all of my lives
I’d never thought I’d wait so long for you
The timin’ is right
The stars are aligned
This section highlights the anticipation and longing felt by the speaker. They express surprise at how long they have waited for this love, signaling that it is worth the wait. The mention of “the stars are aligned” suggests a cosmic or fated aspect to their relationship, reinforcing the idea that everything is coming together at the right moment.
Chorus
So save that heart for me
‘Cause girl, you know that you’re my destiny (D-destiny)
Swear to the moon, the stars, the sons and the daughters
Our love is deeper than the oceans of water
The chorus is a passionate declaration of love and commitment. The phrase “save that heart for me” indicates a plea for loyalty and exclusivity. The speaker believes that their relationship is fated (“my destiny”) and emphasizes the depth of their love with metaphors comparing it to vast oceans.
Post-Chorus
(Hurry)
I need you now, I’ve waited oh so long, yeah
(Baby love)
I need you now, I’ve waited oh so long
In this repeated section, urgency is expressed as the speaker reiterates their need for their partner’s presence. The repetition underscores the intensity of their feelings and the time they have spent waiting.
Verse 3
Passin’ seasons, empty bottles of wine
My ancient kingdom came crashing down without you
Baby, child, I’m lost without your love
Oh, diamond sparrow, my moonlit majesty
You know I need you, come flying back to me
This verse reflects on loneliness and loss, indicating that without their partner’s love, life feels incomplete (“My ancient kingdom came crashing down without you”). The imagery of “diamond sparrow” conveys beauty and rarity, while “moonlit majesty” adds an element of romantic idealization. The speaker’s longing for their partner’s return is palpable.
Pre-Chorus (repeated)
Through all of my lives
I’d never thought I’d wait so long for you
The timin’ is right
The stars are aligned
The pre-chorus repeats here, reinforcing the themes of waiting and cosmic timing in love.
Chorus (repeated)
So save that heart for me
‘Cause girl, you know that you’re my destiny (D-destiny)
Swear to the moon, the stars, their sons and their daughters
Our love is deeper than the oceans of water
Save that heart for me
And girl, I’ll give you everything you need (Everything you need)
Here’s to our past lives, our mothers and fathers
Our love is deeper than the oceans of water
The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the commitment to save love for each other and the deep emotional connection they share.
Outro
(Hurry)
I need you now, I’ve waited oh so long
The outro echoes the urgency felt throughout the song, with repeated pleas for immediate connection. This repetition serves to encapsulate the overall theme of longing and desire for reunion.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Past Lives”
BØRNS’s song “Past Lives” explores the profound theme of love that transcends time and existence, suggesting a connection that has spanned multiple lifetimes.
The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and a deep, almost cosmic bond between two souls, hinting at the idea that their love is not confined to the present but is part of a larger, eternal narrative.
The central message of “Past Lives” is that love can transcend physical existence and time. The lyrics suggest that the protagonists have shared connections in previous lives, emphasizing that their bond is destined and enduring.
This notion is encapsulated in lines like “Past lives couldn’t ever hold me down; lost love is sweeter when it’s finally found,” which imply that despite past separations, the essence of their love remains powerful and unbreakable.
BØRNS taps into the concept of reincarnation, portraying the lovers as soulmates who have encountered each other in various forms throughout history. This idea resonates with many spiritual beliefs that suggest souls are on a journey across different lifetimes, searching for one another.
The song evokes feelings of déjà vu and familiarity, as if the emotional connection felt in this life is rooted in shared experiences from past existences.
The song’s imagery enhances its ethereal quality, with references to celestial elements and timeless landscapes. Phrases like “golden eagles” and “cities in the sky” paint a majestic picture of love that exists not just on Earth but in a broader cosmic context. This imagery serves to elevate the emotional stakes of the narrative, making it feel both grand and intimate.
The themes explored in “Past Lives” are not unique to modern music; they reflect ancient beliefs about love and reincarnation found in various cultures worldwide, including Hinduism and Buddhism. These traditions often emphasize the idea that souls are interconnected across time, which BØRNS captures beautifully in his lyrics.
Ultimately, “Past Lives” stands as a testament to the enduring nature of love. It invites listeners to reflect on their own connections and consider the possibility that some relationships are destined to be rediscovered across multiple lifetimes.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.