First Time
Kelsea Ballerini Lyrics
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Spray my perfume
Sat on the front porch, waitin' on you
Said we would catch up because it had been awhile
I hate to admit it
But my hands are shaking
Barely breathin'
Heart is racin'
But you never called, never showed up
Guess some things never change
And just like living in a flashback
You let me down again
That's why the past should be the past
Far behind, back of mind, out of the way
Let the memories burn and crash
'Cause sittin' here looking at the driveway
Is just tearin' my heart back in half
Like nothing's changed except the time that's passed
And that's why good-bye should mean good-bye
The first time
I should know better
I hate that I still cry
Lookin' like a fool here watchin' for headlights
And kickin' myself for believin' in you again
I bet you're out drinkin' with a new blonde and
Telling her whatevers playin' is her song
Yeah and helping her up into your Chevy instead
Even when you don't have me
You can still be the one to hurt me
It must feel good to know
That I'm still holdin' on to letting go
That's why the past should be the past
Far behind, back of mind, out of the way
Let the memories burn and crash
'Cause sittin' here looking at the driveway
Is just tearin' my heart back in half
Like nothing's changed except the time that's passed
And that's why good-bye should mean good-bye
The first time
Yeah that's why the past should be the past
Far behind, back of mind, out of the way
Let the memories burn and crash
'Cause sittin' here looking at this driveway
Is just tearin' my heart back in half
Like nothings changed except the time that's passed
And that's why good-bye should mean good-bye
So I'm letting you go, just like I should have tried
The first time,
Oh the first time
Oh yeah
That's why the past should be the past
Oh, the first time, yeah
The song First Time by Kelsea Ballerini is about the pain of heartbreak and how it can be made worse by the inability to move on. The lyrics describe the emotions of a person waiting for someone they used to love, hoping for a chance to see them once again. The singer notes that despite the time that has passed, the emotions they feel have remained the same. The song emphasizes the idea that if someone has hurt you once, it's best to move on and let go of the past, rather than holding on to the hurt and the pain.
In the chorus, Ballerini reminds the listener that goodbyes should be final, and looking back to the past won't change anything. It's better to leave the memories behind and move on, especially if that means saying goodbye for the first (and hopefully last) time.
Overall, the song is relatable as almost everyone has been in this situation, dealing with a broken heart and the hope of seeing someone again, only to be let down once again. It's a message of self-love and learning that sometimes goodbye is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Line by Line Meaning
I put on my make up
Getting ready for a date with you
Spray my perfume
Trying to smell nice for you
Sat on the front porch, waitin' on you
Waiting for you to show up as we had planned
Said we would catch up because it had been awhile
We agreed to see each other after a long time of being apart
I hate to admit it
I don't like acknowledging this
But my hands are shaking
I can't control my nerves
Barely breathin'
Breathing shallowly due to anxiety
Heart is racin'
My heart is beating really fast
Looks like feelings don't always change their minds
Despite time that has passed, my feelings for you are still strong
But you never called, never showed up
You didn't follow through on our plan
Guess some things never change
Predictably, you let me down again
And just like living in a flashback
This is like reliving the same experience over and over
You let me down again
You disappoint me like you did in the past
That's why the past should be the past
We should leave the past behind us
Far behind, back of mind, out of the way
We should forget about it and move on
Let the memories burn and crash
Allowing our past to hurt us will only lead to pain
'Cause sittin' here looking at the driveway
Staring at the driveway is just causing me more pain
Is just tearin' my heart back in half
It feels like reopening old wounds
Like nothing's changed except the time that's passed
Despite the years, the feeling of betrayal hasn't faded
And that's why good-bye should mean good-bye
It's time to move on and let go of the past
I should know better
I know that I shouldn't trust you
I hate that I still cry
I'm disappointed in myself for still being affected by you
Lookin' like a fool here watchin' for headlights
I feel foolish waiting for you to show up
And kickin' myself for believin' in you again
I'm angry at myself for allowing myself to trust you once more
I bet you're out drinkin' with a new blonde
I imagine you are out enjoying yourself with someone else
Telling her whatever's playing is her song
You're likely telling her what she wants to hear
Yeah and helping her up into your Chevy instead
You're already replacing me with someone else
Even when you don't have me
Even when we're not together
You can still be the one to hurt me
You can still emotionally affect me
It must feel good to know
You likely enjoy having this power over me
That I'm still holdin' on to letting go
I'm still struggling to let go of my feelings for you
So I'm letting you go, just like I should have tried
It's time for me to move on, despite my past feelings
Oh the first time
It's time to let go, even if it feels like the first time
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kelsea Ballerini
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@misss708
KELSEA BALLERINI
First Time Lyrics
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I put on my make up
Spray my perfume
Sat on the front porch, waitin' on you
Said we would catch up because it had been awhile
I hate to admit it
But my hands are shaking
Barely breathin'
Heart is racin'
Looks like feelings don't always change their minds
But you never called, never showed up
Guess some things never change
And just like living in a flashback
You let me down again
That's why the past should be the past
Far behind, back of mind, out of the way
Let the memories burn and crash
'Cause sittin' here looking at the driveway
Is just tearin' my heart back in half
Like nothing's changed except the time that's passed
And that's why good-bye should mean good-bye
The first time
Read more: Kelsea Ballerini - First Time Lyrics | MetroLyrics
@justicecole6420
This girl right here is my new musical addiction! I can relate to all of her songs♡ Kelsea is absolutely amazing ♡
@katiemichelle6367
Painfully relatable... Kelsea your voice is gorgeous and these lyrics are so beautifully written.
@nataliastornello4395
This is a beautiful, sweet, heartfelt song that so many girls can relate too. Great job Kelsea!
@SammiRomero
This song hit a heart string. Spot on. Been there. Kelsea, you are awesome!
@collettegaudron7569
I had this song on repeat almost every day now really love it and enjoyed listening to it
@sellenemanabatubungen551
I'm loving all your songs! So soothing and comforting ♥
@hopeshannon2817
LOVE this one just as much as her other songs! I see great things for Kelsea if she keeps going. KICK BUTT, Kelsea!!!
@emilyl7048
I hope she makes another album sometime soon. I love her music!
@Em-dh2eh
"Even when you don't have me, you are still the one that hurt me" best quote ever and so true
@jonathonharris4008
Yeah. Love goes beyond relationships sometimes.