The song "Best I Ever Had" by The Unlikely Candidates is about reflecting on a past relationship that had both positive and negative aspects. The lyrics describe how the singer believes that if they had never met their ex-partner, they would have had an honest life, peace of mind, and a stable emotional state. The lines "An honest life, some peace at night / No need to hide, a mind that's right" express the longing for a simpler and more stable existence. The song acknowledges that the relationship had its highs and lows, with the person being both the "highest high" and the "lowest low" in the singer's life. The downtown mentioned in the lyrics represents a lonely and isolating feeling caused by the relationship. Despite the pain caused, the singer acknowledges that their ex-partner was the best they ever had, symbolizing the strong emotional attachment they had. The lyrics also touch upon the singer's youth and vulnerability when they first met their ex-partner. They describe being eighteen years old with dark dreams and finding solace in the relationship. However, there is a sense of awareness that the person was dangerous and brought both pleasure and pain into the singer's life. The lyrics further portray a tumultuous dynamic between the singer and their ex-partner. The lines "You leave me for dead / Then kiss my lips and give me your breath" suggest a toxic cycle of emotional manipulation and dependency. Both parties seem to play a role in hurting each other. In the end, the singer decides to break free from the cycle and say goodbye to their ex-partner, recognizing that they almost broke them down. The lyrics also express a sense of autonomy and choosing to live alone rather than sacrificing oneself for a toxic relationship. Overall, "Best I Ever Had" explores the complex emotions and experiences within a toxic relationship, acknowledging both the pleasurable and damaging aspects while ultimately recognizing the need to move on.
