I stop but then I hesitate
What's the point of leaving if we can't even wait?
She's thinking of what she could say

Fifteen days that I spent
Finding out what you meant
Now we're dancing again
Keeping time, she keeps my eyes awake
What else is there to say?

(I knew that I wouldn't change)
I thought that this was something different than before
Now we're changing shape inside your brain and starting to reform
Oh, Lord, now I'm speaking words without thinking before
(I knew that I wouldn't change)
I wanted to do what I said that I'd do
Now I'm making things up and not thinking it through
So true, it was so legit but it's nothing new
(I knew that I wouldn't change)

Well, now I don't know what to speak
Writing a verse is worse than you think
I'm spitting out her Listerine

Fifteen days that I spent
Finding out what you meant
Now we're dancing again
Keeping time, she keeps my eyes awake
What else is there to say?

(I knew that I wouldn't change)
I thought that this was something different than before
Now we're changing shape inside your brain and starting to reform
Oh, Lord, now I'm speaking words without thinking before
(I knew that I wouldn't change)
I wanted to do what I said that I'd do
Now I'm making things up and not thinking it through
So true, it was so legit but it's nothing new
(I knew that I wouldn't change)

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "Listerine" by Dayglow hint at a sense of reluctance and indecision regarding a romantic relationship, as the singer hesitates to leave despite the uncertainty of the situation. The song focuses on the effects of time and experience on a relationship and the way that it can change or evolve over time. The singer reflects on the past fifteen days spent trying to understand the intentions of their partner and questioning their own emotions. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, specifically “I knew that I wouldn't change”, emphasizes the recurring patterns in the relationship that are causing frustration and confusion.

As the song progresses, the singer realizes that their previous expectations for the relationship have not been met and now they feel trapped. The line "Now we’re changing shape inside your brain and starting to reform" touches on the idea that once we have formed an initial impression or expectation of a person, it becomes difficult to change that perception. The metaphorical use of the word “reform” suggests that the relationship is transforming into something unrecognizable, causing the singer to feel lost and confused.

Towards the end of the song, the singer expresses frustration with their inability to communicate their emotions and thoughts, comparing the process to “Writing a verse is worse than you think”. The repeated line, “spitting out her Listerine” implies that the singer is struggling to find the right words or feeling like their words are not authentic or truthful.

Overall, "Listerine" is a reflective and introspective song that explores the complicated dynamics of a romantic relationship and the frustration that can arise when our expectations are not met or our perceptions are challenged.

Line by Line Meaning

I stop but then I hesitate
I pause and have doubt

What's the point of leaving if we can't even wait?
Why leave when we can't be patient?

She's thinking of what she could say
She's pondering her words

Fifteen days that I spent
Two weeks have passed

Finding out what you meant
Trying to understand what you meant

Now we're dancing again
We're back to the way things were

Keeping time, she keeps my eyes awake
She keeps me alert and focused

What else is there to say?
Is there anything else to discuss?

(I knew that I wouldn't change)
I was aware that I wouldn't change

I thought that this was something different than before
I believed this was a new experience

Now we're changing shape inside your brain and starting to reform
We're evolving and changing in your mind

Oh, Lord, now I'm speaking words without thinking before
I'm speaking without considering my words

(I knew that I wouldn't change)
I already knew that I wouldn't change

I wanted to do what I said that I'd do
I intended to follow through

Now I'm making things up and not thinking it through
Now I'm lying and not considering my actions

So true, it was so legit but it's nothing new
It's genuine but not original

Well, now I don't know what to speak
I'm at a loss for words

Writing a verse is worse than you think
Creating lyrics is more difficult than expected

I'm spitting out her Listerine
I'm saying things she wants to hear