Meaning of "Stratosphere" by Mutemath

The lyrics of "Stratosphere" explore the emptiness that success and achievement can bring when devoid of meaningful connections. The singer finds themselves in a metaphorical stratosphere, a place of great height and distance from others, symbolizing a state of isolation and emotional detachment. Despite all the outward signs of success and being at the top of the world, the singer realizes that none of it matters without the person they love. The stratosphere represents a high but lonely place where material achievements cannot fill the void left by the absence of a loved one. The singer acknowledges the futility of their accomplishments and the emptiness of their current state, longing to return to a place where they can feel connected and loved. The repetition of "I never meant to have to start all over without you" reinforces the theme of loss and the struggle to find meaning after a significant relationship has ended.