Meaning of "Reverse" by Goo Goo Dolls

The lyrics of "Reverse" delve deep into the complexities of a past relationship that still holds significant emotional weight for the narrator. The imagery of broken glass shining like diamonds captures the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about a love that was flawed but still held moments of beauty. The constant back and forth between wanting to hold on to the past and the realization that moving forward is essential is a theme that many can relate to. The repeated plea for the other person to stay, to read the narrator's mind, and to save them, reflects a deep-rooted desire for connection and understanding. However, the acknowledgment that the other person will never truly own the narrator's heart signifies a sense of self-preservation and an understanding that true healing and growth can only come from within. The final lines about being stuck in reverse and the power of a single word to change things encapsulate the internal struggle of whether to remain stagnant in the past or take a step towards healing and forward motion.