Meaning of "Still On My Brain" by Justin Timberlake

"Still On My Brain" is a heartfelt reflection on the impact of a past relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who is struggling to move on from a lost love. The opening lines serve as a reminder of the beautiful days they used to share, highlighting an undertone of nostalgia and longing. The line "Feels like it hasn't been that long / Since you walked away from me" suggests that time has not been enough to heal the emotional wounds caused by the separation. The protagonist acknowledges that they could try to act strong, but deep down, they still feel the presence of their ex-lover, implying that the memories and emotions attached to the relationship are still fresh. The repetition of "it's hard for me to say you were my soul" underscores the difficulty of accepting the end of a significant connection, emphasizing that the impact of the relationship is undeniable.

The chorus delves deeper into the protagonist's internal struggle. They contemplate saying that they no longer love their ex-partner and closing the door on their relationship, but they recognize that it wouldn't be the same for them. The line "girl you're love is still on my brain" portrays the lingering nature of love and how it can continue to affect someone long after a relationship has ended. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is caught between wanting to move on and being unable to let go entirely. The idea that love is still on their brain implies that it continues to consume their thoughts and emotions.

The bridge paints love as a game, indicating that both parties have participated in it. The protagonist questions the outcome of their choices: whether they win or lose by staying or leaving. The line "Even though I try to hide / My broken heart inside" shows that the protagonist is attempting to conceal their pain, but their ex-lover knows them too well to be fooled. The longing and inability to forget the past lover is emphasized by the repeated assertion that they cannot get them off their mind. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the idea that the love from the past relationship remains strong in the protagonist's mind.

Overall, "Still On My Brain" evokes the struggle of moving on from a past love. It explores the complexity of emotions and the lasting impact a significant relationship can have on an individual. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia, longing, and the difficulty of fully detaching from a past romance.