"Whatever Happened" by Elijah Blake is a song that tells the story of a past relationship and reflects on what went wrong. The lyrics describe the narrator's encounter with a girl named Juliet during a music festival in Austin (South by Southwest), where they shared a memorable time together. He then flew her to Paris on two occasions, indicating a strong connection and affection between them. The narrator admits that their relationship wasn't solely based on physical intimacy but also on the intense emotional and mental connection they shared. He acknowledges how Juliet introduced him to smoking (getting super high) and the impact it had on him. However, despite their deep connection, something changed and they grew apart. In the chorus, the narrator wonders what happened to their relationship and asks Juliet directly what went wrong. He mentions their plans for their anniversary and how they were happy together. The lyrics suggest that the narrator had aspirations of providing a better life for Juliet, potentially by taking her out of her cramped dorm room and into a luxurious suite. As the song progresses, the narrator continues to question what happened and expresses confusion as to why their relationship ended. He wonders about the tattoo on Juliet's hand and asks if she is still in Arizona, indicating that there has been a significant distance between them. The lyrics imply that the narrator wanted to expand their horizons together by traveling and creating new experiences. In the bridge, the narrator expresses frustration and sadness, stating that he tried to show love but couldn't make Juliet reciprocate or understand. He reflects on the fact that some things, like love, cannot be taught or forced. Overall, "Whatever Happened" explores themes of lost love, longing, and the confusion that can come with the end of a meaningful relationship. Elijah Blake's emotive vocals and heartfelt lyrics create a sense of vulnerability and introspection in the song.
