"Rough Edges" by Joshua Burnside is a song about the tumultuous nature of a relationship and the struggle between love and the flaws that are present in both individuals. The lyrics depict a situation where the singer acknowledges the worst aspects of both themselves and their partner. The song starts by expressing apologies for only seeing the worst in each other and how it affects their relationship. The "rough edges" mentioned in the lyrics symbolize the flaws, emotional scars, and vulnerabilities of the individuals involved, which lead to tension and pain. The comparison to sandpaper against skin emphasizes the harshness of their interaction and the resulting emotional damage. The singer describes the impact of these rough edges by mentioning old scars and fresh bruises that are opened up and bleed like shark bites and bullet wounds. This imagery portrays the hurt and emotional trauma caused by the flaws and conflicts between them. The chorus of the song expresses the limitations of the singer's love. They can only love their partner for as long as they do, implying that their love may have an expiration date. They apologize for this, acknowledging that it might not be good enough for their partner, but it is the extent of their capacity to love. The song expresses a sense of uncertainty and reflects on the future of the relationship. The singer is lying awake, contemplating how it will all end, suggesting that they are questioning the sustainability of their love given the difficulties they face. Overall, "Rough Edges" explores the complexities of relationships and conveys the internal struggle of simultaneously loving someone but also recognizing their flaws. It highlights the raw emotions and the inner conflict the singer faces, ultimately questioning whether their love is sufficient for their partner.
