Meaning of "Rooftop" by Zara Larsson

In "Rooftop," Zara Larsson tells a story of a significant encounter that takes place on a rooftop. The speaker believes that they could potentially be soulmates, expressing the idea that their connection could be something extraordinary. The repetition of "we could be soulmates, we could be so great" emphasizes their longing for a deep and meaningful relationship. However, the reality is that both the speaker and the other person already have romantic commitments to someone else. This realization creates a sense of conflict and confusion for the speaker, as they struggle to reconcile their feelings with their current relationships. The hot summer night on the rooftop serves as the backdrop for these emotions, with the lyrics vividly describing moments of excitement and chaos, such as when someone gets knocked out and the police arrive ("in came the Boys in Blue"). Despite the external distractions and the obstacles they face, the speaker cannot shake their thoughts of the other person, as indicated by the repetitive line "I just, I just can't-can't take my mind off you." The song captures the bittersweet nature of this encounter, with the joy of the initial connection juxtaposed against the heartbreak of knowing that their relationship may never be more than a fleeting memory. The lyrics also hint at the transient and fleeting nature of life itself, with the mention of the date "the 3rd of September" and the acknowledgment that some of the events made the news. Overall, "Rooftop" portrays the complexity of human emotions and the turmoil that can arise when desires clash with reality.