"More Than Friends" by Gabrielle Aplin is a song about a complicated relationship between two individuals. The lyrics depict both the longing and confusion experienced by the narrator. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging that while they have been awake for days, their partner has been awake for even longer, indicating that they have been going through difficult times. The line "My eyes still feel like I'm asleep, stuck inside an empty dream" suggests a feeling of detachment and numbness, as if they are not fully present in the relationship. The narrator questions whether their emotions and feelings are genuine or just a cliché, possibly indicating that they are unsure if their love for their partner is real or if it is simply an expected response. They mention having unfinished messages to send, implying a lack of communication and an inability to fully express themselves to their partner. There is a sense of sacrifice and imbalance in the relationship, as the narrator mentions how their partner has been "breaking themselves in two" to give the narrator only half of themselves. The line "And I seem to wonder what it takes to work, to make this last" expresses the narrator's confusion and desire for the relationship to succeed against the odds. The chorus suggests a feeling of hopelessness and resignation. The "mess we've made" refers to the difficulties and challenges they have faced in the relationship. They believe that there is nothing left to hope for and that the future holds no possibility for them. The mention of the ace, jester, and queen of spades alludes to a card game metaphorically representing their relationship. The narrator suggests that their relationship is over, and there is no turning back. However, the bridge of the song presents a glimmer of hope. The narrator expresses their willingness to go to extreme lengths, even running to the furthest place they need to, just to hear their partner laugh. This illustrates the depth of their feelings and the importance they place on their relationship. They long to experience the vulnerability of being broken apart, suggesting that they want to understand their partner on a deeper level. The song ends with a nostalgic reflection on happier times. The chorus is repeated, but with the addition of memories when they used to stay awake for hours and draw pictures on each other's hands. The line "Cause I know even in darkness we're more than friends" conveys the belief that their connection goes beyond being just friends, even in the darkest times. It implies that they share a deep bond and understanding, despite the challenges they face. Overall, "More Than Friends" explores the complexities of a troubled relationship, the confusion of emotions, and the desire to hold onto a connection that goes beyond friendship.
