The song "Anyway" by Gabrielle Aplin explores the complex emotions and regrets surrounding a past relationship. The narrator reflects on their inability to fully express their feelings and convey their true emotions to their partner. They confess that they should have kept their feelings bottled up, but instead, they shared them with their partner because they desired it. The narrator acknowledges that they often portrayed themselves as tough and unfeeling, disguising their true emotions. They realize that what they thought was love was actually the opposite, and it was not enough to sustain the relationship. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of a missed opportunity or a chance not taken. The narrator hears the future calling and contemplates where they currently stand. They bear the weight of having given the worst version of themselves in the past and acknowledge the need to stop dwelling on negative thoughts and feelings. The song continues to express the narrator's reluctance to discuss the past relationship or confront their emotions, regardless of wanting to convey so much. They wish the other person could see them in their current state, but the fear of facing them holds them back. The narrator acknowledges that by walking away, they have ruined any chances of reconciliation. They express regret for lying in the past about being over the relationship, realizing that if they had known the outcome, they would have handled things differently. The consequences of their actions have caught up to them, with karma lurking in the shadows, feeding off their negative emotions. Despite these regrets, the narrator repeats their desire not to talk about the past relationship or express their feelings. They wish they could say something if they were to see the other person again but acknowledge that they have ruined their chances. Overall, "Anyway" delves into the conflicting emotions of regret, missed opportunities, and the desire to avoid facing the past. It captures the narrator's struggle to express their true emotions while grappling with the consequences of their actions.
