Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of lingering uncertainty and the slow decay of relationships. The narrator directly addresses "2021," a future point in time, with a plea: "will you think about me?" This question hangs heavy, underscored by the narrator's own temporal calculations – "I could wait a year, but I shouldn't wait three." The anxiety isn't just about personal memory, but the fate of a shared connection, as the question shifts to "will you think about us?" This transition highlights a fear that the bond itself might erode over time. The core tension lies in the inevitable passage of time and its corrosive effect. The imagery of "copper goes green, steel beams go rust" is a stark, tangible representation of decay. These aren't fleeting moments but processes of deterioration, suggesting that the relationship, like metal exposed to the elements, is subject to inevitable decline. The phrase "It's a matter of" trails off, leaving the implication that the outcome – whether positive or negative – is simply a function of time and exposure. The repeated structure of the verses, mirroring the lyrical content, emphasizes this cyclical feeling of waiting and decay. The instrumental breaks and vocal chops, while not lyrical content, serve to punctialize this emotional space, perhaps representing the pauses and fragmented thoughts that accompany such anxious anticipation. The outro, with its shift to a more abstract, almost instructional tone about music and collaboration ("they all work together," "as long as you groove"), feels like a deliberate distraction or a coping mechanism. It’s as if the narrator is trying to find solace or control in the structured world of music when the personal realm feels so uncertain. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their direct, unadorned questioning and the stark, material metaphors for decay. The narrator isn't waxing poetic; they're facing a future where connection might simply rust away. The contrast between the personal plea and the impersonal forces of time and decay creates a palpable sense of vulnerability, making the listener feel the weight of that uncertain future.