Meaning of "This Time Around" by Tove Lo

In "This Time Around," Tove Lo delves into the complexities of a failed relationship. The lyrics depict a shift from a once strong and passionate connection to a state of emotional distance. The narrator reminisces about a time when they were able to captivate their partner, making them laugh and being their go-to source of happiness and comfort. They describe themselves as the missing piece in their partner's life, someone who they believed would be there forever. Yet, as time passes, they become uncertain about their own actions and their inability to feel the same level of emotion. Despite physically being close to their partner, they no longer experience the same connection. The repetition of the phrase "this time around" suggests a sense of hope for a different outcome, but with each passing moment, the narrator becomes increasingly aware that their efforts to reignite the passion and emotion are futile.

The lyrics explore the bittersweet nature of change and the disappointment that can arise when expectations aren't met. The narrator is caught in a cycle of longing for the past while simultaneously acknowledging that the present reality is different and unsatisfying. This internal conflict is highlighted through the recurring line, "I don't know what I'm doing," emphasizing the confusion and lack of clarity surrounding their actions and emotions. Tove Lo captures the universal experience of wanting to recapture the magic of a past relationship but ultimately realizing that the dynamics have shifted and that expectations might not be met.

The song's reflective and introspective tone, coupled with the repetition of certain phrases and the contrast between past and present emotions, creates a sense of longing, disappointment, and self-doubt. Tove Lo's lyrics give voice to the inner turmoil experienced when one realizes that their efforts to salvage a relationship are in vain. "This Time Around" serves as a poignant reminder that relationships can change, and sometimes, despite our best intentions, we cannot recapture the past. It speaks to the universal human experience of confronting the complex emotions that come with the dissolution of a once-strong bond.