“Twenties” by GIVĒON is a poignant and introspective song that explores themes of love, regret, and heartbreak. The lyrics reflect on a past relationship that spanned a significant part of his twenties, highlighting the emotional toll of dedicating years to someone who didn’t reciprocate his investment. The song is a raw reflection on wasted time and the painful realization of investing in the wrong person, capturing the complexity and uncertainty of young adulthood.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Twenties” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
How was I supposed to know
This is how it’s gonna go?
Thought that if I put you first enough
We would last for sure, last for sure (For sure)
Remember our first kiss, was in a rental car
Now I kinda wish it was a hit and run
Crazy I let you get this far
But I was just young and dumb
The song begins with GIVĒON questioning how he could have known the relationship would end this way. He thought prioritizing his partner would ensure its success, as he mentions, “Thought that if I put you first enough / We would last for sure, last for sure.” He recalls their first kiss in a rental car, now wishing it had never happened, as indicated by the line, “Now I kinda wish it was a hit and run.” This shows how memories once cherished are now tainted by regret. GIVĒON admits to being “young and dumb,” implying inexperience led him to let the relationship progress further than it should have.
[Pre-Chorus]
Six years gone down the drain
I guess I’m half to blame
I didn’t know, I didn’t know I’d be wasting my time
The pre-chorus highlights the significant time invested in the relationship, with GIVĒON noting “Six years gone down the drain.” He acknowledges partial responsibility for the failure, stating “I guess I’m half to blame,” and expresses regret over not realizing the relationship was unfulfilling. This sense of shared blame underscores the complexity of relationships and the difficulty in attributing fault.
[Chorus]
Spending my twenties on you (Oh)
I poured my heart in it
Don’t get me started
Spend my time wondering why
I spent my twenties on you
The chorus emphasizes the emotional toll of spending his twenties on someone who didn’t reciprocate his investment, as GIVĒON sings, “Spending my twenties on you / I poured my heart in it.” The line “Don’t get me started” suggests there’s more frustration beneath the surface. GIVĒON spends time wondering why he dedicated so much of his life to this relationship, reflecting on the what-ifs and the wasted time. This introspection highlights the pain of realizing that significant portions of one’s life were spent in a way that now seems misguided.
[Verse 2]
Thought I was learning myself
I was just learning you
Is anything black and white
When you’re barely twenty-two?
Clung onto you like a shirt to a sweater
Hung onto you ’cause I didn’t know better
I just felt like time was runnin’ out
I could tell the ship was goin’ down
I was so young and dumb
GIVĒON reflects on how he was more focused on learning about his partner than himself, stating, “Thought I was learning myself / I was just learning you.” This highlights the confusion of youth, where personal growth is overshadowed by the relationship. He questions whether anything is clear-cut at twenty-two, suggesting the complexity and uncertainty of young adulthood. GIVĒON compares clinging to the relationship to holding onto a sweater, indicating a desperate attempt to maintain something that was ultimately doomed. He admits to staying committed due to inexperience, feeling time was running out and sensing the relationship’s demise, yet unable to let go.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Twenties”
GIVĒON’s song “Twenties” delves into the profound themes of heartbreak, regret, and the realization of wasted time. The song is a poignant reflection on a past relationship that consumed a significant portion of his life, specifically his twenties. Through his lyrics, GIVĒON conveys the pain of investing deeply in a relationship that ultimately did not last, leaving him with a sense of loss and longing for the years he cannot recover.
One of the most striking aspects of “Twenties” is its exploration of the confusion and naivety of youth. GIVĒON captures the essence of being young and in love, where the intense emotions of a relationship can overshadow personal growth and self-discovery. He reflects on how his focus on the relationship hindered his ability to learn about himself, encapsulated in lines like “Thought I was learning myself, I was just learning you”. This theme resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar struggles during their formative years.
The song also touches on the concept of time as a precious resource. GIVĒON laments the six years he spent in the relationship, feeling that they were wasted on someone who did not reciprocate his emotional investment. The repeated refrain of “I spent my twenties on you” underscores the regret and frustration he feels about the time he cannot reclaim. This sentiment is both deeply personal and universally relatable, making “Twenties” a powerful anthem for anyone who has navigated the complexities of love and heartbreak.
Musically, “Twenties” is characterized by GIVĒON’s soulful and expressive vocals, set against a backdrop of slow, jazz-inspired instrumentals. This blend creates a melancholic yet captivating atmosphere that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics. The song showcases GIVĒON’s talent for crafting heartfelt narratives that resonate with listeners on a profound level, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary R&B.
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