The lyrics of the song "Forgive but Not Forget" express feelings of complexity and resistance in a relationship. The singer talks about the struggle between forgiveness and holding onto past grievances, as well as the experience of seeing others fall and lie on the floor while still finding something to like in the chaos. The chorus emphasizes the idea of forgiving but not forgetting, and starting over while still feeling regret.

Meaning of "Forgive but Not Forget" by Laleh

The lyrics of "Forgive but Not Forget" delve into the intricacies of relationships and the internal conflicts that come with them. The singer seems to be grappling with the idea of letting go of past hurts and moving forward, as indicated by the repeated phrase "Forgive but not forget." This suggests a tension between wanting to forgive and start anew, while at the same time being wary of repeating past mistakes or being hurt again. The mention of a "psychological defense" hints at a struggle to protect oneself emotionally, perhaps due to past experiences of being hurt in relationships. The references to others falling down and lying on the floor could symbolize the chaos and challenges that come with human connections, yet the singer finds something to like or love amidst the mess. The repeated plea to "Hold me" at the end could represent a desire for closeness and connection, despite the fear of getting hurt. Overall, the lyrics of the song explore the complexities of forgiveness, regret, and the ongoing battle to navigate relationships while staying true to oneself.