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1998
Chet Faker Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm not the reason you're looking for redemption
You cut some strings and everything will fade away
You tried to use some physical connection
There's nothing left for you to say
By the way

We used to be friends
We used to be inner circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me
Is it absurd
For me to hurt
When everything else is fading

We used to be friends
We used to be inner circle
I don't' understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me
Is it a absurd
For me to hurt
When everything else is fading

We used to be friends
We used to be in a circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word (used to be friends)
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me (used to be in a circle)
Is it a absurd
For me to hurt
When everything else is fading

We used to be friends
We used to be in a circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you

Overall Meaning

The verses of “1998” by Chet Faker showcase a miscommunication between two former acquaintances. The first verse suggests that one of them is attempting to find redemption, and the second implies that they’ve used physical connection in a failed attempt to do so. The chorus deals with the aftermath of their falling out, with the singer expressing their confusion over how their relationship became so distant. They seem to have been close at one point, but now they are barely civil to each other. The mention of turning a “good word” backwards suggests that the other person has taken something the singer said and twisted it or used it against them.


The song seems to be about how an old friendship can fizzle out over time, possibly because of a misunderstanding or a perceived betrayal. The song has a haunting quality, with the repetition of the phrase “We used to be friends” emphasizing the sense of loss and regret that the singer feels. The music is understated, with a simple keyboard melody and minimal percussion, which allows the vocals to take center stage.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm not the reason you're looking for redemption
I am not the cause of your search for forgiveness or salvation.


You cut some strings and everything will fade away
If you sever certain ties, everything will disappear or lose its importance.


You tried to use some physical connection
You attempted to establish a physical bond or relationship.


There's nothing left for you to say
You have nothing more to express or articulate.


By the way
Incidentally or as a final comment.


We used to be friends
We had a previous amicable relationship.


We used to be inner circle
We were once members of an exclusive or tight-knit group.


I don't understand
I am confused or perplexed by your actions.


What have I become to you
What role or identity have I assumed in your eyes?


Take my good word
Accept my sincere and trustworthy advice.


Turn it backwards
Reverse or reject my guidance or perspective.


Turn your back on me
Ignore or reject my friendship or support.


Is it absurd
Is it illogical or preposterous?


For me to hurt
For me to be in pain or anguish.


When everything else is fading
As other things are diminishing or dissolving.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JILLIAN BANKS, NICHOLAS MURPHY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@fatimaperez-negrete6649

"1998"

I'm not the reason you're looking for redemption
You cut some strings and everything will fade away
You tried to use some physical connection
There's nothing left for you to say
By the way

We used to be friends
We used to be inner circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me
Is it absurd
For me to hurt
When everything else is fading

We used to be friends
We used to be inner circle
I don't' understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me
Is it a absurd
When everything else is fading

We used to be friends
We used to be in a circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me
Is it a absurd
For me to hurt
When everything else is fading

We used to be friends
We used to be in a circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you



@EddieUnooTV

I'm not the reason you're looking for redemption
You cut some strings and everything will fade away
You tried to use some physical connection
There's nothing left for you to say
By the way

We used to be friends
We used to be inner circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me
Is it absurd
For me to hurt
When everything else is fading



@RafaelVOrellanoOficial

No puedo parar de escucharla...en mi cerebro. #chetfaker 1998
"We used to be friends
We used to be inner circle
I don't understand
What have I become to you
Take my good word
Turn it backwards
Turn your back on me
Is it absurd
For me to hurt
When everything else is fading"



All comments from YouTube:

@derekking3640

My friend passed away and this was his favorite song we used too smoke weed & drink to this song talking about girls we lost and love ..... And this is OUR song ... Nephi I will always love you !!!!!

@joannadiaz1834

Sorry for your loss 😔

@trent4439

Rip in peace

@SuperGnanesh

Your friend has a good taste RIP

@teomeyer9246

Rest in peace, I wish you the best

@alesandrorossi6089

I feel you bro …

6 More Replies...

@robmontilla8157

THIS SONG IS MY FUCKING LIFEEEEEEEE I HAVE LISTEN TO IT LIKE A THOUSAND TIMES. FUCKING LOVE IT

@magicmonster1283

Rob Montilla ok ok we get the point calm down now

@ginathen8869

MagicMonster128 hhahahahahaha

@magicmonster1283

Gina Then :) I like the song too

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