Matters at All

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship where one person seems to be consistently disengaged, leaving the other to ponder the significance of their connection. The opening verse recalls a past moment, perhaps September, where the dynamic felt more intense and enduring, with one person being a "throwback to forever." This nostalgic glimpse is immediately contrasted with the recurring phrase, "All these things that you like to leave behind," suggesting a pattern of abandonment or emotional detachment from the other party. The central tension lies in the repeated question, "if it matters at all," highlighting the narrator's uncertainty about the relationship's value to their partner. The partner's behavior is characterized by waiting for a "first time" or only acting when "something's wrong," implying a reactive rather than proactive approach to the relationship. This passive stance culminates in the partner being the one to always say "goodnight," a phrase that, repeated insistently, feels less like a tender farewell and more like a definitive closing off. The second verse introduces a darker, more unsettling imagery. The narrator observes their partner "choking" while taking a "drawback on a cinder," a vivid picture of self-destructive behavior or a moment of intense struggle. The shift from "heart throb" to waking up in a "day job" suggests a loss of youthful idealism or a mundane reality setting in, further emphasizing the partner's apparent apathy. This sequence reinforces the pre-chorus's theme of leaving things behind, now with a more somber, perhaps even concerning, undertone. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their stark portrayal of emotional distance and the narrator's quiet desperation. The simple, almost resigned repetition of "if it matters at all" and the insistent "goodnight" create a palpable sense of unresolved tension. The writing doesn't offer grand pronouncements but instead focuses on small, telling details and repeated phrases that build a powerful feeling of being left behind and questioning the very foundation of a relationship.