Matter Of Course

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship teetering on the edge, caught between a hopeful future and the potential for a return to the beginning. The narrator urges faith, suggesting that a future where needs are met is possible, but with a crucial caveat: "Let's play to lose." This isn't about giving up, but about not banking on a predetermined success, acknowledging that even if things revert to their starting point, it's simply "a matter of course." The tone is a complex blend of yearning and resignation, a delicate balance between believing in 'what could be' and accepting 'what is.' The central tension lies in the struggle to build something lasting against an undercurrent of doubt and past disappointments. The narrator recalls moments of intimacy, like sweating in bed and seeking hope, but also the peculiar act of taking separate photos, "in case we broke free." This suggests a deep-seated fear of commitment or a premonition of failure, where preserving individual memories becomes a defense against a shared future that might not materialize. The desire to "die in each others arms" clashes with the practical, almost fatalistic, preparation for separation. A striking piece of craft is the repeated phrase "a matter of course." Initially, it seems to imply an inevitable, perhaps natural, progression, whether positive or negative. However, as the lyrics unfold, especially in the final chorus and outro, it takes on a more somber, resigned quality. The idea of "playing to lose" and the possibility of ending up "as we start" imbues this phrase with a sense of predetermined fate, a calm acceptance of whatever outcome, good or bad, without the struggle of fighting against it. The shift in the final chorus, where the narrator acknowledges losing "everything that you thought that you'd ever need," solidifies this resignation, framing past desires as ultimately unattainable. This lyrical approach is effective because it captures the messy, often contradictory emotions of a relationship facing an uncertain future. The narrator isn't offering simple platitudes or outright despair; instead, they articulate a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both the deep desire for connection and the pragmatic awareness of potential loss. The specific, almost mundane details – sweating in bed, taking separate photos – ground the emotional stakes, making the overarching theme of fate and acceptance feel deeply personal and relatable, even if the outcome is bittersweet.