Always (EP Version)

Song Meaning

These lyrics open with a sharp pang of regret. The narrator reflects on a past relationship, lamenting, "I should've known." The subject, a "boy," is characterized by his grand, perhaps empty, promises, with "Your middle name is Always" serving as a striking metaphor for his nature. The central tension emerges from this initial regret, as the narrator observes the boy's apparent struggles. Phrases like "You let the needle drop" suggest a pivotal moment of surrender or a choice made, while the observation that "conventions are taking their toll on you" hints at external pressures eroding his true self. This sets the stage for a deeper, more unsettling conflict that transcends a simple relationship gone sour. The most compelling craft element here is the evolving imagery of "The phantom." Initially "disguised" and "horrifying right before your eyes," it quickly moves "inside," becoming an internal, insidious threat. By the outro, the phantom is not just present but actively "watching you," creating a chilling sense of pervasive, inescapable surveillance. This shift from an external, hidden danger to an internal, then omnipresent, menace is profoundly unsettling. Ultimately, these lyrics hit hard because they transform a personal lament into a broader, urgent warning. The contrast between the boy's superficial promises of "always" and the terrifying, internal reality of the "phantom" creates a powerful sense of disillusionment. It suggests that the true dangers aren't always obvious, often lurking within or just beneath the surface of seemingly sweet assurances.