"That Was Then" by Jesse McCartney is a song about realizing the importance of someone you took for granted in a relationship. The lyrics convey the narrator's regret for not appreciating their partner and not considering their feelings. They admit to being selfish and focused only on themselves. The beginning of the song reflects upon the narrator's past behavior. They confess that they never truly understood or recognized their partner's worth until it was too late. They apologize for not giving the attention and care that their partner deserved. As the song progresses, the narrator realizes their mistake and vows to make amends. They express a desire to try again and show their love interest that they have changed. They acknowledge that love is all they need and that they were foolish to not see what their partner wanted from the relationship. The middle part of the song represents a shift in the narrator's mindset. They reflect on their previous self-centeredness and how it impacted their relationship. They understand the importance of putting their partner first and prioritizing their needs. The chorus emphasizes the realization that the partner is the narrator's priority and that they want to give them more love than they ever did before. They express gratitude for having such a special person in their life and promise to never let their love fade. The bridge of the song shows the narrator's determination to change and hold onto their love. They are willing to do whatever it takes to make the relationship work and ensure that they never let it slip away. In the final chorus, the narrator repeats their commitment to change and give their partner the attention and love they deserve. They acknowledge their previous wrongdoing but are now ready to show their partner how much they care. Overall, "That Was Then" tells the story of someone who realizes their mistakes and seeks to make amends in order to save their relationship. It is a song about growth, learning from past experiences, and understanding the importance of love and appreciation in a relationship.
