The song "2005" by James Blunt reflects on the consequences of fame and the pressures that come with it. The lyrics portray a sense of regret and frustration as the narrator realizes that all they do is apologize for a song they wrote in 2005. The song is a reflection of their past success and the struggles they face in moving on from it. The lyrics convey a longing for the old times when the narrator was on top of the world, with fame, attention, and romantic relationships. However, they feel that fame has been unkind to them as it has left them feeling lonely and forgotten. The song highlights the superficiality of fame and the way people perceive celebrities. The idea of taking a photograph and showing it off to friends represents the shallow nature of fame, and how it can lead to others mocking and ridiculing the narrator. Despite the struggles and criticism, the narrator acknowledges the importance of the love song they wrote. They feel saddened that the record, possibly referring to the relationship or the song itself, has been broken. The narrator doubts their ability to write a better love song and worries that without it, they would be nothing. The lyrics also touch upon the materialistic aspects of success, with references to living in a big house, making money, and owning a nice car. However, the narrator realizes that there is a high price to pay for such achievements, as people are quick to criticize and judge their every move. Throughout the song, the narrator expresses a sense of longing and yearning for a better love song and a happier, more fulfilling existence. They question their ability to move on from their past success and ask for guidance in creating something better. Overall, "2005" reflects on the downsides of fame and the pressure to live up to past success. It explores themes of regret, nostalgia, and the challenges faced by those in the public eye.
