Meaning of "Careless Whisper" by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox

The lyrics of "Careless Whisper" delve into themes of betrayal, regret, and lost opportunities. The speaker reflects on a past mistake they made, cheating their friend and wasting the chance for a deeper connection. The phrase "careless whisper" suggests that the betrayal was not premeditated or intentional, but rather a thoughtless act that ultimately shattered the trust and bond between the two individuals. The line "Guilty feet have got no rhythm" implies that the speaker feels they have lost their sense of direction and purpose in life without the love and forgiveness of their friend. They acknowledge that it is easy to pretend everything is alright, but deep down they know that their friend is not a fool and can see through the facade. The regret is further emphasized by the repetition of "I should have known better" as the speaker beats themselves up over their poor choices. The lyrics also touch on the idea that music and dance can serve as a metaphor for the connection and joy that the speaker lost. The reference to a "silver screen" and "sad goodbyes" evokes the nostalgia and longing for a perfect romance that they once shared. The final stanza expresses the longing for reconciliation, with the speaker hoping that their friend would stay and dance with them, suggesting that they still cherish the bond they had. However, the repetition of "Now that you're gone" emphasizes the finality of the loss, leaving the speaker questioning what they did that was so wrong to be left alone. Overall, the lyrics of "Careless Whisper" explore the repercussions of betrayal and the pain of missed opportunities for love and connection.