How the Story Ends
Matthew James Lyrics
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And all I see
Someone I ain’t s’posed to be
Looking into my reflection, no connection
You want what I used to be
Can’t you feel the change in me?
I’m not the one that you held on to, you belong to
This time, no one can pretend
We could never just be friends
This is how the story ends
This time, it’s too late to make amends
Too late for another attempt
This is how the story ends
Everything is different
Feels too much like punishment
Wishing that we’d rediscover one another
You aren’t who you used to be
I can feel your changing needs
You’re not the one that I belong to, can hold on to
This time, no one can pretend
We could never just be friends
This is how the story ends
This time, it’s too late to make amends
Too late for another attempt
This is how the story ends
In "How the Story Ends," Matthew James reflects on a relationship that has come to an end. The opening line, "Looking in the mirror, and all I see, someone I ain't s'posed to be," suggests a sense of self-discovery and realization that the persona no longer aligns with who they used to be. They feel disconnected from their own reflection, emphasizing the internal turmoil they are experiencing.
The next lines, "You want what I used to be, can't you feel the change in me? I'm not the one that you held on to, you belong to," indicate that the other person in the relationship wants the persona to revert to their past self, but they assert that they have undergone significant changes. They acknowledge that they no longer fit the mold the other person has in mind and that it is time to let go.
As the song progresses, both parties are seen grappling with the reality of their changed circumstances. The persona expresses a desire to rediscover their connection, suggesting that they long for the intimacy they once shared. However, they recognize that the other person has also changed, stating, "You aren't who you used to be, I can feel your changing needs. You're not the one that I belong to, can hold on to." This realization further solidifies the inevitability of the relationship's end.
The chorus, "This time, no one can pretend, we could never just be friends. This is how the story ends. This time, it's too late to make amends, too late for another attempt, this is how the story ends," encapsulates the finality of the situation. The persona acknowledges that there can be no more pretending or attempts to salvage the relationship. They accept that it is time to close this chapter and move forward.
Overall, "How the Story Ends" portrays the introspective journey of two individuals realizing the irreparable changes in each other and coming to terms with the end of their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking in the mirror
Examining oneself and questioning self-identity
And all I see
Unable to recognize oneself
Someone I ain’t s’posed to be
Feeling like being in a different persona than expected
Looking into my reflection, no connection
Lacking emotional or personal connection with one's own reflection
You want what I used to be
Desiring a past version of oneself
Can’t you feel the change in me?
Expressing frustration about not being understood or noticed for personal growth
I’m not the one that you held on to, you belong to
Acknowledging the end of a relationship where the other person no longer belongs to them
This time, no one can pretend
Highlighting the impossibility of maintaining false appearances
We could never just be friends
Acknowledging an inability to have a platonic relationship
This is how the story ends
Accepting that the relationship has reached its conclusion
This time, it’s too late to make amends
Realizing the lack of opportunity to reconcile or repair the situation
Too late for another attempt
Recognizing that trying again is not feasible at this point
This is how the story ends
Reiterating the finality and closure of the relationship
Everything is different
Noticing a significant change in circumstances or dynamics
Feels too much like punishment
Perceiving the current situation as a form of suffering or consequence
Wishing that we’d rediscover one another
Longing for a reconnection and rekindling of the relationship
You aren’t who you used to be
Observing a transformation in the other person
I can feel your changing needs
Sensing the evolving desires and priorities of the other person
You’re not the one that I belong to, can hold on to
Realizing that the other person no longer has a place or hold on them
This time, no one can pretend
Highlighting the impossibility of maintaining false appearances once again
We could never just be friends
Reiterating the inability to have a purely friendly relationship
This is how the story ends
Affirming the finality and conclusion of the relationship
This time, it’s too late to make amends
Recognizing the inability to rectify or resolve the situation
Too late for another attempt
Acknowledging that trying again is no longer an option
This is how the story ends
Emphasizing the definitive ending and closure of the relationship
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARCEL BOLANO, MATTHEW JAMES, MERRICK DAY, ROBERT WILLIAM GENTRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind