The meaning and story of The Him & Bruno Martini's song "Before You Break" revolves around a toxic and damaging relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator's experiences of being mistreated and manipulated by their partner. The song begins with the narrator confronting their partner, telling them not to reach out when they are sober because the narrator has already ended the relationship. The partner has messed up numerous times, told lies, and showed no remorse. They would stay out all night and then expect forgiveness by knocking on the narrator's door. Despite all this, the narrator realizes their own foolishness in blindly believing in their partner's innocence. They compare their partner to heaven, but confess that they have come dangerously close to experiencing hell because of their actions. The partner would always gamble with the relationship, hoping to change the narrator's mind. Ultimately, the narrator concludes that it is better to walk away from the relationship before it breaks them completely. They acknowledge that their partner may be pleading for another chance, but there are things they cannot change and actions they cannot take back. The overall message of the song is the importance of recognizing toxic relationships and having the strength to let go before they cause irreversible damage. It emphasizes the need to prioritize self-care and personal well-being.
