Meaning of "Second Lover" by Noah And The Whale

The lyrics of "Second Lover" delve into the raw emotions of unreciprocated love and the agony of being the second choice. The narrator's heartache is palpable as they yearn for a connection with someone who is already committed to another. The repeated references to a mysterious "real lover" highlight the sense of inadequacy felt by the narrator, who knows they can never compete with someone else. The themes of longing, longing, and unfulfilled desire are further emphasized through the imagery of beating heartbeats and clicking boot heels, symbolizing the narrator's desperate hope for alignment that will never come to fruition. The lines "I will die and never ever hold your hand" and "There's a man underground that will always love you" emphasize the tragic realization that the narrator's love will remain unrequited, even after death. Ultimately, "Second Lover" portrays a poignant portrayal of the pain and loneliness that can accompany unrequited love and the acceptance that sometimes love is destined to remain unfulfilled.