Need You Now
Antebellum Lyrics

Picture perfect memories
The singer is surrounded by memories they once cherished which are now broken and scattered to signify the necessity of that special person's presence in their life.

Scattered all around the floor
The tangible evidence of sweet memories now lay on the ground, broken and ruined, emphasizing the importance and irrelevance of time and memory without the person whom they yearn for.

Reaching for the phone 'cause, I can't fight it anymore
The singer has reached their limit and is no longer able to suppress their love for this special someone, hence they finally give in and feel compelled to call them up and express their desires.

And I wonder if I ever cross your mind
The artist has not had any communication with the object of their desire leading to this moment. They want to reassure their significance in the other person’s thoughts and a manifestation of their desire for reunion.

For me it happens all the time
The artist has been consumed by thoughts and memories of this person and the feeling of craving for them is now almost innate and ever present.

It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now
At this particular moment, the singer is alone and overwhelmed by their yearning for connection and in that moment, they need the other person’s presence more than ever before.

Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now
The singer initially had good intentions, to maintain distance to try and move on, but in the end, they lack the necessary willpower and admit to needing the other person badly, even if it means risking rejection.

And I don't know how I can do without, I just need you now
The artist realizes that they can not hold back their emotions any longer and acknowledges that they can not survive without that special someone, revealing their vulnerability.

Another shot of whiskey, can't stop looking at the door
Unable to control their anxiousness, the artist becomes reliant on alcohol in an attempt to numb their longing. Still, they are constantly looking toward the entrance expecting the return of their lover, unable to concentrate or focus on anything else.

Wishing you'd come sweepin' in the way you did before
The artist helplessly wishes that their lover could miraculously walk back into their life and relive the romance they once shared, perhaps believing that it could recreate the happiness they once had.

Guess I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all
The singer’s love for that special someone is so consuming that they would rather endure heartbreak than live without love or the hope of love in their life, demonstrating the power of love over reason.

Oh baby I need you now ooh ooh
The constant repetition of this simple phrase reveals the desperation of the artist and how their thoughts revolve solely around the need for the return of the person they hold dear to their hearts.