Meaning of "80's Films" by Jon Bellion

The meaning behind the lyrics of "80's Films" revolves around themes of nostalgia and the yearning to go back to a simpler time. The song begins with the idea of recreating the romantic scenes from '80s films, where the protagonist and their partner would hook up in the backseat while their best friend drives. This imagery represents a desire to relive youthful experiences and recapture the excitement and innocence of past relationships.

The lyrics also touch upon the notion of peaking in high school, with the protagonist expressing a sense of nostalgia and longing for those carefree years. When confronted about the impossibility of them hooking up in high school, the response indicates a longing for missed opportunities and the desire to rewrite the past.

The references to the town of Smithtown and the idea that life is short in this particular place suggests a localized sense of the longing for a simpler time. The mention of redoing time implies that the protagonist and their partner are trying to recreate a moment that they missed out on in their younger days, perhaps because of inhibitions or circumstances.

The chorus repeats the desire for a night like this, taking the listener back to the nostalgia and longing for ninth-grade experiences. The lyrics imply that through reenacting these experiences, the protagonists hope to relive the exciting and carefree moments of their youth.

The final verses further emphasize the idea of reliving the past, using references to retro feelings and iconic '80s figures like the Breakfast Club and Cyndi Lauper. The mention of missed times and flying by street signs suggests a feeling of regret and the desire to make up for lost opportunities. The lyrics ultimately convey a longing to go back in time, to recapture the magic and thrill of youthful love and experiences.