Meaning of "How To Forget" by Jason Isbell

In "How To Forget," Jason Isbell delves into the complexities of letting go and moving on from a previous relationship. The song portrays a narrator who acknowledges their faults and past insecurities, recognizing that they didn't fully appreciate what they had until it was gone. The lyrics convey regret and the desire to learn from their mistakes. The line, "My past's a scary movie, I watched and fell asleep," alludes to the discomfort of confronting one's past, as if it were a movie that is both unsettling and hauntingly familiar.

The narrator longs to "unlearn a lesson" and forget their past, indicating a desire to shed the emotional weight of the past relationship. The repetition of the plea to "teach me how to forget" emphasizes the frustration and desperation in the quest to move on. The mention of "replace the character set" suggests a desire to change the narrative and rewrite their story, seeking a fresh start and a new perspective.

The song also touches on the juxtaposition of finding someone new who brings joy and purpose to the narrator's life. The line, "Now that I found someone who makes me wanna live," highlights the contrast between the current relationship and the pain of leaving the past behind. The narrator wonders if this newfound happiness makes it harder for their previous partner to forgive their departure.

Ultimately, "How To Forget" conveys the struggle of overcoming past mistakes and the challenge of reconciling with one's past. Isbell's introspective lyrics capture the bittersweet emotions of regret, longing, and the yearning for redemption.