The song "The King" by Hard-Fi tells the story of a person who used to be popular and respected in their town, referred to as "The King." However, something went wrong and they no longer hold that position of importance. They feel like they don't belong in their hometown anymore and no one recognizes or acknowledges them. The lyrics express the protagonist's longing for someone they used to be close to. They mention this person's name and wonder where they are now, hoping that they are doing well and have found love. This indicates that the protagonist still has feelings for this person and misses them. The chorus reflects the protagonist's continuous thoughts about this person, constantly thinking about them every waking hour. They stare at the wall, contemplating whether they should gather the courage to call them. However, they suspect that the person may have changed their phone number long ago, leaving the protagonist with no way to contact them. Throughout the song, the protagonist reminisces about their past relationship with this unnamed person. They remember saying goodbye, with the person begging them not to leave, but the protagonist had no choice but to go. They made plans for the future, promising to meet when spring arrives. However, the protagonist never made it back home. The protagonist then decides to visit the street where they used to meet this person, hoping that they might still be there. However, they discover that the street has been torn down, symbolizing the loss of their connection and the change that has occurred since they last saw each other. In the end, the protagonist reflects on their current state of loneliness and feeling old. They feel like they have lost their identity and significance, no longer the person they used to be when they were with the other individual. They express a sense of longing and acceptance that their story has come to an end, and they are now "no one." Overall, "The King" by Hard-Fi explores themes of lost identity, longing, and nostalgia for a past relationship. It conveys the emotions and reflections of a person who feels out of place in their surroundings and misses someone who was once a significant part of their life.
