Meaning of "Keep Me" by Khalid

The lyrics of "Keep Me" by Khalid delve into the theme of longing for a past love and the desire to remain in their life, even after the relationship has ended. The narrator reminisces about the times they made sacrifices for their partner, such as tolerating the scent of roses and hanging out with people they disliked, as they yearned to be more than just friends. Despite these compromises, the relationship eventually came to an end, and the narrator addresses their ex-lover, urging them to remember the love they once shared. The lyrics also highlight the unique bond they had, with references to singing favorite songs together, but also the bittersweet realization that their partner often got the words wrong. This suggests that despite the imperfections and misunderstandings, the narrator still cherishes the memories and believes that their love was special. They express a sense of insecurity about being replaced by the new person in their ex-partner's life, questioning whether the new love could compare to the same depth of love they once shared. This plea to be "kept alive" in their ex-lover's heart and mind reveals the narrator's longing to remain a significant presence, even if it is only in their thoughts and memories. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, longing, and a desire for the past love to be remembered and cherished.