1999
The Wilkinsons Lyrics


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(Steve Wilkinson/Lawrence Corky Lang/John Heaton/William Wallace)

You called me by her name again
Thinking I was her again
When's this ever gonna end, oh

You're living somewhere in the past
Missing love that didn't last
And what we have is fading fast

(Oh...oh/And) this ain't 1999
This is here and now
You are mine
But you're cheatin' on me
You're cheatin' on us
You're cheatin' yourself
Right out of love
You're slipping away
From me unconsciously
And I'm losing you
To some old memory

You're haunted by that ghost in you
She always gets the most of you
Just want to be that close to you

I can't figure out what's wrong
I can't change your mind
But the only thing I know
Is that I'm being left behind
I'm being left behind

(Oh...oh/And) this ain't 1999
This is here and now
You are mine
But you're cheatin' on me
You're cheatin' on us
You're cheatin' yourself
Right out of love
You're slipping away
From me unconsciously




And I'm losing you
To some old memory

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Wilkinsons's song "1999" depict a struggling relationship where one partner is living in the past and constantly being reminded of a past lover who they are unable to let go of. The other partner is left feeling neglected and cheated on emotionally as their significant other becomes more and more distant. The chorus serves as a reminder that while the past may be important, it's important to live in the present and that their relationship is suffering due to their partner's inability to let go of their past.


The use of "1999" in the title and chorus alludes to the nostalgia that comes with looking back at a time that is perceived to be simpler or better. It was a year that marked the end of the millennium, the beginning of a new era, and thus, a time for reflection and introspection. However, the songwriter flips this idea of a new beginning and instead uses it to showcase the importance of being present in the current moment in order to maintain healthy relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

You called me by her name again
You mistakenly called me by your ex's name again


Thinking I was her again
Assuming that I resemble your ex-girlfriend in some way


When's this ever gonna end, oh
When will this habit of yours come to an end?


You're living somewhere in the past
You're stuck in the past and can't move on


Missing love that didn't last
You long for a love that was fleeting and didn't last


And what we have is fading fast
Our relationship is deteriorating rapidly


This ain't 1999
This is the present, not the past


This is here and now
We're in the present moment


You are mine
We are together in a committed relationship


But you're cheatin' on me
You're betraying me by not being fully present in our relationship


You're cheatin' on us
Your actions are harming our relationship as a whole


You're cheatin' yourself
By not fully investing in our relationship, you're missing out on the potential for love and happiness


Right out of love
By not committing fully, you're losing the love that we could have shared


You're slipping away
You're drifting away from me and our relationship


From me unconsciously
You're doing this without even realizing it


And I'm losing you
I am losing your affection and commitment


To some old memory
You're lost in nostalgia and memories of past relationships


You're haunted by that ghost in you
Your ex still has a hold on you emotionally


She always gets the most of you
Your ex still has an impact on your emotional state and actions


Just want to be that close to you
I just want to have a close, honest relationship with you


I can't figure out what's wrong
I am struggling to understand why you can't commit to our relationship fully


I can't change your mind
I can't force you to prioritize our relationship


But the only thing I know
The only thing I am sure of


Is that I'm being left behind
Is that I am being abandoned in this relationship




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: CORKY LAING, JOHN HEATON, STEVE WILKINSON, WILLIAM WALLACE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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