Used To

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a past relationship where the narrator felt diminished. The opening verse directly confronts a time of weakness, acknowledging a period where they allowed their partner to exploit them. This reflection isn't just a passing thought; it's a deliberate revisiting of a painful past, marked by the repeated phrase "Those were the times," suggesting a stark contrast to the present. The core tension emerges in the shift from past vulnerability to present strength. Verse two details a conscious decision to become "more stubborn" and realize their own inherent strength, moving away from the negative feelings imposed by the partner. This internal pivot is crucial, setting the stage for the devastating honesty of the chorus. The chorus delivers the most poignant insight: "I used to lose myself so I could find you quicker." This isn't about finding oneself; it's about actively erasing parts of the self to better cater to another person's needs or presence. The repetition of this line, amplified in the final chorus, hammers home the depth of this self-negation, suggesting a pattern of sacrificing identity for the sake of connection, however unhealthy. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw, confessional tone and the stark clarity of the central metaphor. The act of "losing myself" is a powerful, almost physical description of emotional submersion, making the narrator's past struggle palpable and highlighting the profound cost of prioritizing another's presence over one's own sense of self.