Song meaning of Did You Ever Know by Joyce Manor

The song "Did You Ever Know" by Joyce Manor presents a bittersweet reflection on a past love and the regrets associated with it. The lyrics create a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when the narrator and their loved one would spend carefree moments together in the tranquil grass, laughing and smoking. The image of a stray cat asleep in the same spot with fleas in its coat adds to the feeling of stagnation and repetition.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts towards bitterness and resentment. The mention of the roommate's presence and the kids playing in the street implies the narrator's frustration with feeling crowded or overlooked. The reference to drinking tall cans in the park and staying out late highlights a desire for escape and a longing for a different life.

The chorus serves as a realization of missed opportunities and the pain of unrequited love. The narrator acknowledges their failure to make an effort and be a supportive friend when their loved one needed it the most. The line "Like a song in my head, leaving nothing behind" suggests a sense of emptiness and the realization that the relationship has reached its conclusion.

Overall, "Did You Ever Know" evokes feelings of nostalgia, regret, and the bitterness that can accompany the end of a relationship. It highlights the importance of recognizing our shortcomings and regrets in order to grow and learn from past experiences.