The song "After This" by July Talk explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the desire for independence. The lyrics suggest the protagonist's longing to find their own path and make their own decisions, even if it means breaking hearts or disappointing others. The opening lines, "After this who gets the rest of me? What if I can't tell what's best for me?" reflect the protagonist's uncertainty about what comes next in their life and their struggle to determine their own needs and desires. The chorus, "I can't wait to get back on my feet," expresses the protagonist's eagerness to regain their sense of self and to overcome any obstacles that may be holding them back. They are determined to find their own footing and regain control over their choices and actions. The lines, "Compensate like there's still nothing wrong, Turns out we were trying all along," suggest that the protagonist may have been pretending that everything was fine in a previous situation, but deep down, they were always searching for something more. They are ready to embrace change and move forward. The bridge, "After this, I will be something else instead of me," signifies the protagonist's desire for transformation and growth. They are looking to leave their past behind and embrace a new version of themselves, one that is more authentic and true to their own desires. The repeated line, "If I go down I'm not taking you with me," reflects the protagonist's determination to be independent and not rely on others to define their own journey. They acknowledge that they have to prioritize their own well-being and cannot afford to drag others down with them. Overall, "After This" is a song that captures the struggles and aspirations of an individual trying to find their own identity and make their own choices, even if it means breaking away from expectations and potentially disappointing others in the process.