If We Don’t Make It We’ll Fake It

Song Meaning

This track opens with a raw plea for validation, a desperate check-in on the state of a relationship. The narrator grapples with uncertainty, asking "is my time wasted?" and "Or am I okay?" The core question hinges on whether the connection is genuine, specifically asking if the other person would maintain their friendship "on any other day." This immediately establishes a fragile dynamic, where the present moment's value is being intensely scrutinized. The central tension lies in the precariousness of the relationship and the narrator's fear of abandonment. They recall past near-breakups, acknowledging a history of near-failure: "I remember thinking we were through." Yet, a powerful counter-narrative emerges: the belief that their bond is inherently strong, capable of overcoming anything, even in a state of vulnerability ("If we were naked we'd make it"). This creates a push-and-pull between past doubts and present hopes. The lyrics employ a fascinating blend of directness and coded language. The repeated phrase "me and you" emphasizes their perceived singularity, while the titular line "If we don't make it we'll fake it" offers a pragmatic, almost defiant, solution to potential failure. It suggests a commitment to preserving the relationship, even if it requires artifice, a stark contrast to the earlier plea for authenticity. The final lines, "When this is going down I see you running out / You better keep your word," introduce an urgent, almost threatening, demand for loyalty. What makes these lyrics resonate is their unflinching portrayal of relationship anxiety coupled with a desperate, almost desperate, commitment. The narrator isn't just asking for reassurance; they're laying out the stakes and proposing a survival strategy, however imperfect. The shift from seeking genuine validation to proposing a manufactured success highlights the complex, often messy, ways people try to hold onto what they value, even when it feels like it's slipping away.