“Are You Even Real” by Teddy Swims and GIVĒON is a soulful exploration of romantic uncertainty. The song delves into the theme of disbelief in the reality of love, with both artists questioning whether their extraordinary connection is real or a figment of their imagination. Through heartfelt lyrics, they express awe and vulnerability, yearning to hold onto the experience even if it feels like a dream.
The lyrics begin with Teddy Swims asking, “Are you even real? Or did I make you up?” and continue with a chorus that repeatedly questions the reality of this love: “Made up in my head, or are you in my bedroom?” GIVĒON adds his perspective, marveling at the effortless beauty of his partner, further emphasizing the surreal nature of their love.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“Are You Even Real” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Teddy Swims]
Are you even real
Or did I make you up?
How could someone like you
Wanna give me love?
Don’t think I deserve you
But I can’t get enough
In this opening section, Teddy Swims expresses doubt about the reality of his romantic connection. He questions whether he has imagined this person, feeling unworthy of their love while simultaneously craving more of the relationship.
[Pre-Chorus: Teddy Swims]
You’re so beautiful, spiritual
More like a miracle
Part of me’s scared that you
Might be invisible (Oh)
Too good to be true
Teddy Swims marvels at the spiritual and miraculous nature of his partner. He conveys a sense of fear that this might be an illusion, emphasizing the song’s central theme of questioning what is tangible versus imagined.
[Chorus: Teddy Swims]
Tell me
Are you, are you
Are you, are you
Made up in my head, or are you in my bedroom?
Questions that I ask ever since I met you (Hm-hm-hm)
Tеll me
Are you (Are you), arе you (Are you)
Are you, are you
Somethin’ from a dream or somethin’ that I made up?
Questions that I ask every time that I wake up (Oh)
The chorus intensifies the theme of uncertainty. Teddy Swims poses rhetorical questions, trying to discern if the person he cherishes is real or a figment of his imagination. The repetition of these questions amplifies his inner turmoil and longing for reassurance.
[Verse 2: GIVĒON]
You never do too much (Oh)
Somehow, you’re still enough for me
I can feel the rush
Even when you slow-dance for me
Lookin’ at you layin’ right there
Are you from this world? I swear
GIVĒON adds his perspective, describing how even simple moments with this person evoke profound joy and contentment. His musings about their otherworldly nature complement the overarching theme of love that feels too extraordinary to be real.
[Pre-Chorus: GIVĒON & Teddy Swims]
You’re beautiful, spiritual (Oh)
I just want you to know
Is it all pretend, or somethin’ I made real?
I don’t know what to think (Don’t know, don’t know, don’t know)
And if it’s all a dream, I don’t wanna wake up
In this section, both artists unite their voices to convey shared vulnerability. They explore the possibility that the connection might be an illusion, expressing a desire to remain in this dreamlike state.
[Chorus: Teddy Swims, GIVĒON, Both]
Are you (Are you), are you
Are you, are you
Made up in my head, or are you in my bedroom? (In my bedroom)
Questions that I ask ever since I met you, ah
Tell me
Are you (Are you), are you (Are you)
Are you (Are you), are you
Somethin’ from a dream or somethin’ that I made up?
Questions that I ask every time that I wake up
The repeated chorus reinforces the central questions of the song. The interplay between Teddy Swims and GIVĒON’s voices creates a dynamic contrast, further emphasizing the emotional weight of these unanswered questions.
[Outro: GIVĒON & Teddy Swims]
Are you?
The song concludes with a brief but poignant repetition of the central question, leaving listeners with a sense of lingering wonder and introspection.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Are You Even Real”
“Are You Even Real” by Teddy Swims and GIVĒON delves into the profound experience of encountering a love so extraordinary that it challenges one’s perception of reality. The song explores the emotional landscape of falling for someone who seems too perfect to be true, blurring the lines between dreams and waking life.
At its core, the track is an exploration of vulnerability and disbelief in the face of seemingly perfect love. Teddy Swims, drawing inspiration from his relationship with R&B singer Raiche, expresses a sense of awe and unworthiness, questioning how someone so incredible could choose to be with him. This sentiment is encapsulated in lyrics like “Are you even real, or did I make you up?” which convey the surreal nature of the experience.
The collaboration between Teddy Swims and GIVĒON adds depth to the song’s meaning, presenting two perspectives on this overwhelming emotion. Their harmonious blend of vocals mirrors the unity and connection they sing about, while also highlighting the individual doubts and wonderment each voice brings to the narrative. GIVĒON’s contribution, with lines like “You never do too much / Somehow, you’re still enough for me,” further emphasizes the balance between admiration and disbelief.
Ultimately, “Are You Even Real” is a reflection on the transformative power of love and its ability to make us question our reality. It captures those quiet moments of connection where love feels almost dreamlike, yet carries a underlying current of vulnerability. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love that feel too good to be true, celebrating the magic while acknowledging the fragility of such intense emotions.
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.