Meaning of "A Change of Heart" by The 1975

"A Change of Heart" delves into the complexities of a deteriorating relationship, capturing the emotions and realizations that come with disillusionment. The opening lines, "Are we awake? / Am I too old to be this stoned?" express a sense of disorientation and uncertainty. The protagonist questions the reality of the situation, pondering if they are truly present or trapped in a dreamlike state induced by drugs.

The lyrics then address the physical aspects that initially attracted the protagonist to their partner. The reference to breasts playing a role implies that their infatuation may have been superficial and based solely on appearance. The line "I wasn't told you'd be this cold" suggests that the partner has become emotionally distant and indifferent, leading the protagonist to decide it's time to leave.

The mood shifts as the protagonist embarks on a journey to find a new love interest. They sarcastically quote "on the road," referencing Jack Kerouac's novel, implying that they will navigate their way out of the city to find a girl who is equally pretty. This suggests a desire for a fresh start and for something different from their previous relationship.

The song takes a darker turn as it highlights the destructive behavior and negativity from the partner. The glass being smashed can be seen as a metaphor for the shattering of their relationship. The partner's cleverness turns into carelessness as they light the wrong end of a cigarette. These actions symbolize a loss of control and progression towards self-destruction.

The lyrics touch on the impact of social media on relationships and self-esteem. The partner takes a picture of their salad and shares it online, leading the protagonist to feel as though the relationship and their emotions are trivialized by this act. The disconnectedness and superficiality of the digital age are portrayed through this scene.

The chorus repeats the phrase "I've had a change of heart," emphasizing the protagonist's shift in perspective. They acknowledge feeling deceived and having sat in self-pity, realizing that love may not exist within the city they once believed in. The final lines "You were fit but you're losing it / You played a part, this is how it starts" further showcase the protagonist's growing realization that their partner had been acting a role, and this dynamic was ultimately detrimental to their relationship.