Song Meaning

The narrator insists they're mostly over a past relationship, claiming "the worst is through" and they're "almost over you." They've started "going out," a clear sign of moving forward. Yet, this outward progress is immediately undercut by a confession: "There are times when my heart rules over my head." This sets up the central tension between the conscious effort to heal and the persistent, involuntary pull of memory. The core conflict lies in this push and pull between recovery and lingering attachment. The chorus, with its repeated "Every now and then," acts as a refrain for these involuntary moments of longing. It's not a constant ache, but a recurring interruption, highlighting how difficult it is to fully sever emotional ties, especially when the mind insists on revisiting "all that might have been." The lyrics masterfully use time-of-day contrasts to illustrate the struggle. Mornings are "the hardest time" because dreams bring back the past, while evenings remain "painful still." This suggests that even as the narrator tries to build a new routine, specific moments, triggered by waking or the quiet of the night, become potent reminders. The phrase "I don't cry every night / Just the ones when I feel like I feel tonight" is particularly effective, showing a selective vulnerability rather than constant despair. This song resonates because it captures the messy reality of heartbreak. It acknowledges that healing isn't linear. The narrator's attempts to rationalize their feelings ("a matter of time") clash with the visceral experience of being pulled back by memory, especially when "music playing" or reaching for the phone triggers thoughts of the lost connection. It’s this honest portrayal of internal contradiction that makes the feeling of "every now and then" so potent.