The song "Awake" by Gabrielle Aplin is about a complicated and strained relationship. The narrator expresses their reasons for their actions, but they feel lost and defensive when chasing after the person they are singing about. There seems to be something unsaid or unspoken between them, which leaves the narrator unable to move past the emotions and feelings that the other person has left them with. Throughout the song, the narrator pleads for the other person to stay awake and be present in the relationship. They feel that the other person is closed off, hiding behind the words "I love you" without truly meaning it. The narrator questions whether the other person's feelings are genuine or merely convenient for them. The reference to November hints at a recurring pattern or theme in their relationship, possibly suggesting that their issues resurface around that time each year. The narrator compares their relationship to being locked up, emphasizing the distance and emotional walls that exist between them. They crave a genuine connection and want the other person to acknowledge their true feelings. The last part of the song introduces a slightly different perspective. The narrator sees themselves as an enemy that the other person doesn't really know. Despite being kept close, they feel that they would both be better off alone. The narrator longs for a reminder of the initial passion and excitement in their relationship, when everything felt new and exciting, even though they once blamed their partner for the confusion and lack of focus in their lives. Overall, "Awake" explores the complexities and struggles within a relationship, the longing for true connection, and the desire to revive the spark that once existed.
