Meaning of "Rebel Heart" by First Aid Kit

The lyrics of "Rebel Heart" explore themes of self-discovery, identity, and the consequences of giving one's love away. The narrator reflects on being told they have a rebel heart, questioning the truth in that statement. They acknowledge that the person who saw something in them also had that rebellious spirit within themselves. However, they now find themselves alone, listening to the wind, with a storm brewing. They question whether they misplaced or abandoned their love after giving it to someone else.

The lyrics delve further into the narrator's introspections, discussing their tendency to run and destroy everything they have accomplished. There is a recurring theme of dreaming about the person they gave their love to, wondering why they continue to do so. The narrator questions if their rebellious heart is the cause of these dreams, as if it is a constant reminder of the love they let go.

The song also touches on the narrator's struggle to be authentic and true to themselves. They express how they see aspects of the person they loved in everyone they encounter, except for themselves. They feel a disconnect from their own identity, perhaps due to the intense emotions and experiences they've gone through. Despite this, they recognize that the person they loved truly saw them, even if it was only for a short time. This realization adds to the pain of leaving it all behind and moving forward.

Towards the end of the song, the lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance. The narrator acknowledges that nothing matters and everything is futile. They reflect on falling hard and blindly, but now they must come back and find themselves again. The desire they once had for the person they loved is now something they need to take back. The lyrics emphasize the fleeting nature of emotions and experiences, understanding that it's all in the past and there is no point in holding onto them.