In Dylan Gardner's song "Like We Used To Be," the lyrics depict a longing for the past and a desire to return to a previous state of love and connection. The song is about a relationship that has changed, leaving the protagonist feeling disconnected from their partner. The opening lines, "Babe, angel, I can hardly reach you, These days, forgetting I don't need to," highlight the distance and alienation the protagonist feels from their loved one. The lyrics continue to describe moments of intimacy and closeness that have been lost, represented by the lines, "You spilled me on the table, Cleaned up in accident, We soaked into each other, Living inside your head." However, the relationship has now turned into being strangers to each other. The protagonist questions the shifted dynamic with the repeated line, "Why am I constantly asking?" The chorus expresses a yearning to return to the way things were between them, emphasizing the love and nostalgia for the past. The lines, "Can we be like we used to be? 'Cause I love how we used to be, I dream of how we used to be," reflect the longing for the previous connection and intimacy. The protagonist wonders if their partner misses them and acknowledges the emotional struggle of trying to move on, asking, "Don't lie, do you ever miss me, Sometimes, creeping in, this feels, Wrong, right, remember I can break too." As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the ups and downs of the relationship and questions the authenticity of their connection. They recognize that they too have changed and are unsure if they can continue flying in a relationship that lacks true depth and understanding. The lyrics, "Where is the real connection, That words could never leave, Why am I constantly asking," portray the protagonist's confusion and uncertainty. In the end, the protagonist contemplates the possibility of a different kind of freedom, free from the constraints of the past relationship. They question how they can change the situation and break free from the cycle of constantly asking if they can go back to how things used to be. The lyrics conclude with the repeated chorus, emphasizing the longing for and love of their previous connection. Overall, "Like We Used To Be" dives into the complexities of a deteriorating relationship and explores the desire to recapture the love and closeness experienced in the past. It portrays the emotional journey of longing for a lost connection and questioning whether it is possible to regain what was once cherished.
