Birthday
Disclosure Lyrics

Oh babe, oh babe
Addressing an old flame who has been on the singer's mind

You've been on my mind
Expressing that the old flame has been occupying the singer's thoughts

Just an old flame, old flame
Describing the past relationship with the old flame as a mere memory

I left you behind
Admitting that the singer ended the relationship

But, oh, if it were any other day
Wondering if there would be a chance for reconciliation on another day

Maybe you'd want me to stay away
Considering the possibility that the old flame wouldn't want to reconnect

I'm just wonderin' what you would say
Musing about the hypothetical conversation with the old flame

Or would it be a big mistake?
Questioning whether contacting the old flame would be wise

Can I call you on your birthday?
Asking the old flame if it's appropriate to contact on their special day

Just to make sure that you're okay
Clarifying the intention of the phone call is solely to check in and show concern

Would you prefer it if I'd go ghost?
Asking if the old flame would rather not be contacted and left alone

And let you go your own way
Respecting the old flame's boundaries and giving them space if needed

Got the number to your old phone
Indicating that the singer still has the old flame's contact information

But is it working?
Questioning if the old flame still uses the same phone number

I ain't even callin' for no reconciliation
Making it clear that the singer is not trying to get back together

I just want to tap in and see how you been
Expressing genuine interest in the old flame's well-being without any ulterior motives

I've waited for an adequate amount of time
Implying that the singer has given the old flame space and time to move on

To give us both some space
Acknowledging that distance could be beneficial for both parties

But it can't hurt to check up on an ex, not to flex
Defending the act of checking in without any arrogance

But to put the hurt to rest, put maturity to test
Suggesting that the phone call could help bring closure and show growth

So I'm callin' to say "Are you okay?" On your special day
Repeating the intention of the phone call: to show concern on the old flame's birthday

If I called you on your birthday? Yeah
Repeating the central idea of the song: asking for permission to contact the old flame on their birthday

Would it be worth it?
Considering the potential outcome of contacting the old flame

Should I call you on your birthday?
Repeating the question posed in the chorus

Do you deserve it?
Reflecting on whether the old flame deserves the singer's attention

Emotion aside
Putting aside any lingering emotions attached to the old flame