Meaning of "This One's Gonna Bruise" by Beth Orton

The lyrics of "This One's Gonna Bruise" delve into the complexities of a failing relationship, where one side still holds onto hope while the other seems indifferent. The singer questions the emotional state of their partner, wondering if they even grasp the pain caused by their actions. There's a sense of helplessness as the singer tries to prove their loyalty and genuineness, only to realize that lies have already seeped in. The repeating lines of "What a thing to choose" and "You'll learn one day, won't you?" convey a mix of frustration, resignation, and a faint glimmer of hope for future understanding and growth. The imagery of being left out in the rain and feeling misused evokes feelings of isolation and betrayal. The song concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of shared brokenness, with the singer expressing empathy towards their partner despite feeling equally broken inside. Overall, "This One's Gonna Bruise" captures the raw, painful, and often bittersweet reality of love lost and the inevitable emotional toll it takes on both parties.