Aftertaste
Ellie Goulding Lyrics


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Hold me like nobody else does
Do I get the best of your love?
Even when our bodies are drunk
Is it me you're stumbling from?
Forget the words that you said
With your fingers spell out my name
Take away the sky in our breath
Remember love is a game, love is a game

Don't break, don't fade
While we're not real, we're never too late
Make time, it won't hurt
Said I'll go now, but you said it first

I know there's nothing that I can do to make you stay
But one thing I know that will always remain
And that's the aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste

In the midst I'm seeing your face
And I can't believe this is fake
Blow the blossom into your room
As you throw me in disarray
There's a button that I need to press
There's a face that I need to kiss
Come on, give me your heart and your head
Make you conscious never resist, never resist

Don't break, don't fade
While we're not real, we're never too late
Make time, it won't hurt
Said I'll go now, but you said it first

I know there's nothing that I can do to make you stay
But one thing I know that will always remain
And that's the aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste

I know there's nothing that I can do to make you stay
But one thing I know that will always remain
And that's the aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste
The aftertaste




The aftertaste
The aftertaste

Overall Meaning

The song 'Aftertaste' by Ellie Goulding is a passionate and emotional ballad about a tumultuous relationship that has ended. The singer is questioning her former partner's feelings for her and wondering if she had the best of their love. She reflects on the moments that they shared together, even when their bodies were intoxicated with alcohol. She implores him to hold onto her tightly and not let their love fade away. Goulding sings about trying to forget the hurtful things that were said and to focus on their love, which she compares to a game. Despite their relationship ending, the aftertaste of their love will remain with her forever.


The chorus is the most poignant part of the song. Goulding acknowledges that there is nothing she can do to make her partner stay, but the memories of their love will always linger. The aftertaste of their relationship will be with her always. The lyrics convey deep emotions of sadness, grief and a hint of acceptance. Goulding's voice is hauntingly beautiful and carries the song's emotions perfectly, making the listener resonate with her feelings.


The second verse reiterates the pain of the breakup and the longing for her former partner's love. The singer is seeing her ex-partner's face in her mind and cannot believe that their relationship has ended. The lyrics become more sensual and romantic as Goulding describes herself and her former partner as two blossoming flowers in a room, as if they were meant to be together. The second chorus once again echoes the sentiments of the previous one, emphasizing the aftertaste of their love.


Overall, 'Aftertaste' is a moving song that deals with the aftermath of a breakup. It manages to convey the emotions of someone who is coming to terms with the end of a significant relationship, while still holding onto the memories of love.


Line by Line Meaning

Hold me like nobody else does
Hold me in a unique way that no one else can replicate


Do I get the best of your love?
Am I receiving the fullest and most authentic version of your love?


Even when our bodies are drunk
Despite being under the influence, our physical connection persists


Is it me you're stumbling from?
Are you losing control because of me?


Forget the words that you said
Let go of the hurtful things that were spoken


With your fingers spell out my name
Trace the letters of my name with your fingers


Take away the sky in our breath
Let's be so entangled in each other that nothing else matters


Remember love is a game, love is a game
Love can be unpredictable and uncertain


Don't break, don't fade
Don't let our connection weaken or disappear


While we're not real, we're never too late
Even if our relationship isn't concrete, it's never too late to explore our feelings


Make time, it won't hurt
Prioritize our relationship and it won't cause any pain


Said I'll go now, but you said it first
We both hinted at ending things, but you were the first to vocalize it


I know there's nothing that I can do to make you stay
I'm aware that I cannot change your decision to leave


But one thing I know that will always remain
My memory and presence in your mind will always be present


And that's the aftertaste
The lingering feeling of our relationship that remains even after it's over


In the midst I'm seeing your face
Even in the middle of chaos, thoughts of you prevail


And I can't believe this is fake
I refuse to accept that our love isn't real


Blow the blossom into your room
Sending you pleasant thoughts and memories


As you throw me in disarray
As our relationship becomes tumultuous and unpredictable


There's a button that I need to press
There's a way I can unlock your love and affection


There's a face that I need to kiss
I long to feel your lips on mine


Come on, give me your heart and your head
Emotionally and mentally invest in our relationship


Make you conscious never resist, never resist
Allow yourself to be fully present and never hold back




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GREGORY KURSTIN, ELLIE GOULDING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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