Meaning of "Checkmarks" by The Academy Is...

The lyrics of "Checkmarks" delve into the aftermath of a past relationship, specifically focusing on the shallow and fleeting nature of the ex-partner's behavior. The line "Your bedroom behavior was never more than checkmarks on bedposts" suggests that the ex-partner engaged in casual and meaningless sexual encounters, treating their partners as disposable conquests. This behavior is juxtaposed against the narrator's yearning for a deeper connection, highlighted by the line "The more I remember we never had."

Throughout the song, the narrator expresses a desire to be freed from the emotional baggage of the relationship. The repetition of the lines "Get me out of the rain" and "Get me out of my clothes" signifies a plea to escape the memories and vulnerability associated with the failed romance. The narrator hopes to keep their emotions hidden, revealing the fear of being exposed or judged by others.

The lyrics further emphasize the narrator's resentment towards their ex-partner's lack of empathy. Lines such as "So suck your so-called pity down" and "Take your cold, cold heart and drown" portray a sense of bitterness and disdain. The ex-partner's attempts at sympathy or remorse are dismissed as insincere and callous. The repetition of the phrase "So suck your so-called pity down" serves as a reminder to the ex-partner that their attempt to appear sympathetic is futile.

The song also delves into the theme of fame and the changing dynamics that come with it. The lines "Do you miss looking up from the floor at my face on a stage in a crowded room... I bet you're still a sucker for those famous faces" suggest that the ex-partner was attracted to the narrator's fame and attention. However, the narrator acknowledges that the relationship has changed and that they have grown apart. The line "Just look at how we've changed" indicates a sense of maturity and growth on the part of the narrator.

Overall, "Checkmarks" delves into the complexities of a failed relationship and explores themes of casual intimacy, emotional detachment, and the desire for liberation from past experiences.