Meaning of "Twenty Three" by Yellowcard

The lyrics of "Twenty Three" by Yellowcard seem to depict a dynamic between two individuals who were once in a relationship. The narrator reflects on the mistakes they made and expresses regret for the words they said, conveying a desire to take them back. The repeated line "We're almost twenty-three and you're still mad at me" suggests that time has passed since the breakup, yet the other person still holds onto anger and resentment. This implies that their pain and anger have not faded over the years. The line "You tell the world I'm dead to you, but I know you want me back now" reveals a contradictory situation where the other person outwardly claims to be done with the narrator but secretly desires their return.

The lyrics also imply a level of betrayal and manipulation. The line "Was it fun for you to watch him fall apart?" suggests that the other person took pleasure in seeing the narrator suffer and stood by as they crumbled emotionally. The phrase "suffocate him while you held him in your arms" further emphasizes the destructive nature of the relationship, where the other person appeared to be supportive while actually causing harm. The vocalized wish for the other person to never have been let in reflects the regret and bitterness the narrator feels for allowing such toxicity into their life.

Overall, "Twenty Three" portrays a complex and turbulent relationship filled with regret, resentment, and a longing for reconciliation. It delves into the emotional aftermath of a damaged connection and the lingering desire to mend what has been broken, despite the other person's apparent rejection.