The song "Waves" by Electric Guest is about the complexities and ups and downs of love. The lyrics express the narrator's struggle to understand their feelings and the challenges they face in a relationship. The song begins with the narrator admitting that they don't know what to do and that love is not as easy as people say it is. They suggest that their partner is a charming and talkative person, but their relationship has become difficult after twenty-one months together. The narrator predicts that being with someone who is emotionally distant or unavailable will make life hard for both of them. Despite their frustrations, the narrator admits to still having feelings for their partner. They acknowledge the love-hate dynamic and the fact that their partner knows they don't truly hate them. However, the narrator believes it's time for their partner to leave due to the way they are treated. The second part of the song reflects on a state of mind where everything feels washed away and they hold onto the ups and downs of love like waves. The lyrics mention the struggles of being 23 years old and the difficult experience of love for the narrator. The song also touches on the narrator's connection with someone who never stays for too long, which they don't fully understand. They describe waiting for this person to make them feel free and the disappointment when they don't follow through. The smile that once appeared fades away, as if the world is only satisfied during the transition from night to day. The lyrics express a feeling of being trapped in a never-ending cycle, feeling taken advantage of by someone they care about, and ultimately painting a new face with a frown to cope with the pain. Overall, "Waves" reflects the complexities and mixed emotions that come with love and relationships, as well as the rollercoaster-like nature of navigating these feelings.
