Meaning of "Summer" by Real Friends

"Summer" by Real Friends delves into the emotional aftermath of a breakup, highlighting the conflicting feelings and struggles that often accompany the end of a relationship. The song begins by acknowledging the physical and emotional impact the person had on the narrator. They were "easy on the eyes" but "heavy on the heart," indicating that while there was an initial attraction, the relationship ultimately caused pain and burden. The lyrics also suggest that the breakup came unexpectedly, as the narrator never thought they would "live to see today" without the person.

The chorus expresses the narrator's longing and dependency on their ex-partner. They admit to missing them "like the summer" and feeling a current need for their presence. However, there is an underlying realization that they don't actually need the person. This contradiction reflects the struggle of detaching from someone emotionally but still yearning for their companionship. The narrator asserts that they will "get through the winter without you," indicating their determination to move forward and find strength in their independence.

The second verse introduces feelings of abandonment and betrayal. The narrator describes themselves as the one who ran away out of fear, while their former partner decisively made up their mind and left, leaving the narrator feeling alone and deserted. This dynamic further complicates the narrator's emotional state, as they feel both hurt by the breakup but also a sense of resentment and betrayal.

The bridge of the song provides a glimpse into the narrator's coping mechanism. They describe retreating to their basement, isolating themselves and attempting to suppress their thoughts and emotions about the person. However, they acknowledge that even in this space, the person does not occupy their thoughts. It showcases the internal battle between wanting to forget and move on, but unable to completely erase the memories and thoughts of the past relationship.

Overall, "Summer" captures the raw emotions and complexities within the aftermath of a breakup. It explores the conflicting feelings of longing, dependency, independence, and resentment that often coexist during this period. The lyrics showcase the narrator's struggle to heal and move forward while still grappling with the impact of the relationship.