Meaning of "Faking It" by Calvin Harris

The lyrics of "Faking It" delve into the experience of pretending to be fine after a breakup. The narrator begins by expressing their frustration with God, feeling like their prayers are falling on deaf ears. They lean on their ex for support, even though they have nothing left to give. They confess their desire to call their ex and apologize, recognizing that it's the same old story of heartbreak that everyone goes through. But despite saying they're okay, they admit to being a liar, acknowledging their own pain and struggle.

The chorus questions their ex's actions – why are they still checking up on them if they claim to be over it? And why do they say "let go" when they're still holding on? The narrator feels that their ex is better at faking moving on than they are, which creates a sense of inferiority and further intensifies their emotional turmoil. The reference to being faded at 2 AM suggests that late nights are when their ex starts missing them and crying, highlighting the lingering feelings between them.

In the second verse, the narrator describes their current state as being a "bitch" to everyone else, indicating their emotional vulnerability and the hard exterior they put on in front of others. They declare that they don't need any shoulders to cry on because they're fine crying by themselves. Moving on from the relationship is described as a chore, as they still adore their ex despite the unrequited love. This unreciprocated love is likened to a lover's hell, emphasizing the pain and anguish it brings.

The bridge introduces a guest verse from Lil Yachty, who expresses his deep love for his partner and how they are always on his mind. He reveals that despite his financial success, he still feels alone until he comes back to them. The verse also includes playful references to putting pepperonis on someone's face and eating pizza together, highlighting the memories and connection shared in the relationship.

The song's overall meaning explores the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship and the tendency to pretend to be fine when deep inside, the pain lingers. It questions the authenticity of moving on and the various ways people cope with heartbreak. The lyrics highlight the complex emotions involved in a breakup and the struggle to truly let go.