Song meaning of Circles by Niall Horan

"Circles" by Niall Horan is a poignant reflection on a tumultuous relationship that has reached a breaking point. The lyrics paint a picture of two individuals caught in a cycle of dysfunction and emotional turmoil, unable to break free from the patterns that keep them running in circles. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging their role in the relationship's downfall, expressing a sense of resignation and self-awareness as they admit, "We couldn't turn around 'til we were upside down, I'll be the bad guy now, you know I ain't too proud."

The chorus serves as a powerful refrain, highlighting the cyclical nature of their love and the inability to let go despite the growing distance between them. Lines like "Seasons change then our love went cold, Feed the flame 'cause we can't let it go" underscore the conflicting emotions at play, with the urge to run away juxtaposed against the inertia of staying in a toxic situation.

In the second verse, the narrator grapples with the realization that the relationship was never as special as they once believed, with a stark admission that it was merely physical in nature: "You thought that it was special, special, But it was just the sex though, the sex though." This moment of clarity propels them towards acceptance and the decision to finally let go, as they declare, "I got a feeling that it's time to let it go, let it go."

The bridge introduces a haunting reference to Foster the People's song "Pumped Up Kicks," adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. The allusion to running and the urgency of escaping danger serves as a metaphor for the relationship's destructive tendencies, hinting at the need to break free before it's too late.

Overall, "Circles" captures the bittersweet essence of a love that has run its course, exploring themes of self-awareness, acceptance, and the struggle to break free from toxic patterns. Niall Horan's emotive vocals and the song's introspective lyrics combine to create a poignant and relatable portrayal of love's complexities and the journey towards letting go.