The First Five Times

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship's progression, starting with impulsive, almost accidental encounters and moving towards a profound, shared intimacy. The initial scenes are raw and unpolished: a drunken hookup in a backyard under pouring rain, followed by a more public, yet still clandestine, moment on "bare mattresses" at a party. These early instances are defined by a lack of control and a sense of being swept up in the moment, underscored by the repeated, almost frantic, "driven outside and driven in." The tension escalates with the third encounter, a jarring scene where "your old man watching from the trees," introducing an element of external judgment or voyeurism that contrasts sharply with the private nature of the act. This is followed by a pivotal moment in the fourth stanza where the narrator makes a demand for commitment: "Keep doing that forever." This marks a clear shift from casual encounters to a desire for permanence, a plea for the relationship to solidify. The fifth time is where the narrative truly lands, shifting from physical action to emotional connection. The act of "rested" and the subsequent conversation, interrupted by a kiss and a mutual confession of feelings, "I feel the same as you," signifies a deep, shared understanding. This is the turning point, where the relationship transcends its earlier, more chaotic beginnings. The repeated refrain, "And every day, it's changed since then / In every way, I've changed since then," powerfully captures the transformative nature of this commitment. The initial impulsivity has given way to a sustained, evolving connection, marked by profound personal growth and a deepening of shared experience. The final, insistent repetition of "driven in" suggests a powerful, internalized pull towards this established bond.