The song "The Past" by John Newman explores themes of love, longing, and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator's willingness to go to great lengths to seek love and capture the attention of their ex-partner. In the first verse, the lyrics suggest that despite the challenges love may present, the narrator is still willing to see their ex-partner, who may have left them feeling blind or lost. They express their determination to crawl back and seek more love, warmth, and light, emphasizing their persistence in trying to rekindle the relationship. The chorus highlights the narrator's feelings of being lost and their desire to remain in their shared home. They question whether their ex-partner would walk back through the door if they were in need, and express uncertainty about whether they should continue searching through the past for answers. The second verse introduces feelings of loneliness and desire, particularly when physical intimacy is absent, as implied by the lines "When your sex ain't on the cards I need it." The narrator reveals their constant longing for their ex-partner and their repeated attempts to reconnect. The next section showcases the narrator's frustration and desperation, as they scream and plead outside the door, expressing the need for their former lover's love and salvation from their loneliness. The bridge section repeats the chorus, emphasizing the narrator's longing for their ex-partner's return and their continued search for answers and love. In the final lines, the lyrics restate the themes of the song, indicating that the narrator would still see their ex-partner despite their flaws and hardships. They express their determination to crawl back and seek love once again. Overall, "The Past" captures the raw emotions of a person struggling to move on from a past relationship, showcasing their hope, longing, and willingness to go to great lengths to recapture lost love.
