Meaning of "Last Piece" by Lykke Li

"Last Piece" delves into the emotions of heartbreak and the struggle to maintain a sense of self after a relationship has ended. The narrator pleads with their partner to allow them to keep the last piece of their heart before it is torn apart. The opening lines depict a scene where the partner has made up their mind to leave, packing their bags and signaling their intent to leave by taking a final drag from a cigarette they claimed to have quit. The narrator longs to hold onto their partner, but they are forced to step back. They find themselves in a situation that doesn't align with the romanticized version of love they had envisioned.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the changes that have occurred in the relationship. The partner has cut their hair, which is a symbolic gesture of moving on and changing their identity. The narrator must confront the reality that the things they hoped to fix in the relationship can no longer be salvaged. The partner drives away, blasting music that used to be a soundtrack to their moments of intimacy. This highlights the painful reminder of how the relationship has deteriorated.

The repeated refrain of "Lost myself to you" encapsulates the heart of the song's meaning. The narrator expresses that they have become consumed by the relationship, surrendering their identity and losing a piece of themselves in the process. The plea to keep the last piece of their heart showcases a desperate desire to hold onto their own sense of self, even as the relationship crumbles.

The lyrics end with a sense of longing, as the narrator waits for their partner to potentially return. They hold onto a glimmer of hope that their partner will find what they are looking for. Despite the pain and heartbreak, there is a bittersweet acknowledgement that the relationship has come to an end.