Song meaning of Second Best by Laufey

"Second Best" by Laufey is a poignant and introspective song that delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the pain of settling for less in a relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's experience of being deeply infatuated with someone who never reciprocated their feelings fully.

In the first verse, the narrator reflects on their inability to express their love for the person they desired. They recount the moments when they felt left behind, as the object of their affection walked away, seemingly oblivious to their emotions. The line "Kissed me with somebody else in mind" suggests that the person they loved was preoccupied with someone else, leaving the narrator feeling inadequate and unimportant.

The chorus emphasizes the unequal nature of their relationship, with the narrator acknowledging that they were never the priority for their love interest. The line "Oh, you were my everything, I was your second best" encapsulates the heart-wrenching realization that they were never truly valued or cherished in the way they desired.

In the second verse, the narrator describes the sleepless nights spent watching their love interest dream, highlighting the contrast between their own intense emotions and the half-hearted lullabies sung by a nightingale. The reference to a midsummer dance and being held close while their love interest reminisces about their past further emphasizes the narrator's deep longing for a connection that was never fully reciprocated.

The bridge reveals a sense of growth and self-reflection as the narrator acknowledges that their life has improved since cutting ties with their love interest. However, they still find themselves wondering if there is a chance for reconciliation, despite the warnings from others about the toxic nature of the relationship.

The final verse expresses a glimmer of hope for the future, suggesting that the narrator will learn from their past mistakes and move forward. They acknowledge the possibility of finding new love and leaving their unrequited feelings behind, but also admit to still being entangled in the messiness of their emotions.

Overall, "Second Best" is a deeply emotional and relatable song that explores the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to let go of someone who never truly valued the narrator's worth. Laufey's heartfelt vocals and introspective lyrics make this song a powerful reflection on the complexities of human emotions and the longing for genuine connection.