What About Us/The Way It Was Before (Reprise)

Song Meaning

The opening lines immediately establish a profound sense of regret and self-absorption. The repeated phrase "thought this was just about us, not about you" highlights a critical oversight, a failure to consider an external party's needs or perspective. This isn't just a minor slip; it's framed as a significant failing, "did what we said we'd never do," suggesting a betrayal of a prior commitment or understanding. The core tension arises from this realization of neglect. The lyrics list specific failures: "forgot to calm your fears," "forgot to feel your pain," and "forgot to notice you were under too much stress." The narrator acknowledges a fundamental error in prioritizing, admitting "we forgot that you come first." This confession paints a picture of a relationship where one party was unintentionally but deeply overlooked, leading to emotional distance and unmet needs. The most striking craft element is the contrast between the initial self-centeredness and the subsequent, almost desperate, attempt at reconciliation and future planning. The "way it was before" is presented as an idealized past that cannot be recaptured, as "families don't all grow in one straight line." This acceptance of change, while painful, allows for a new beginning, acknowledging that "things will have to change" and "it might feel strange." Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw admission of fault and their hopeful, albeit bittersweet, look forward. The repetition of "we forgot" underscores the gravity of their oversight, while the final affirmation of love and the desire to find a new "way it was before" offers a path toward healing. It’s a poignant reflection on how relationships evolve and the hard work required to navigate those shifts.