yesterday the leaves were brown,
and i was wearing a big frown,
because my lover left me for the girl that he had loved before,
the sky was cloudy then turned blue,
because i saw it was no use to want someone whos heart was elsewhere,
so i decided not to care

he wants me back, but he can't have me
he wants me back there's no denying,
he wants me back, he's on his knees
now lets see who's crying

the grass is greener without you, it's true
so many things for me to do,
living my life for me and on my own,
it's so great to be alone,
and now you're knocking at my door,
you realized you love me more,
well i've no time to hear apologies, i've got the world to see

he wants me back, he wants me back
but he can't have me
he wants me back, back
Ain't goin back


Lyrics submitted by settingsun

He Wants Me Back song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

5 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    I love this song. Its one of the those songs you never get tired of. :)

    ExplodingGirlCUREon May 15, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I love female singers in punk/ska bands, they're so awsome. They have a different point of view on relationships, and how guys can be assholes (i know they can because i am one).

    nullseton May 26, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    lets dedicate this one to Nick.. =)

    XcynXcynXon August 16, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i can relate all too well...

    Just a Girlon April 07, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    love it!

    sargejinon October 07, 2012   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
Blue
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Album art
Page
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Album art
Midnight
Ed Sheeran
“Midnight” is a song about finding a love that is so true that it provides a calming feeling through every storm. Ed Sheeran reflects on his good fortunes in landing someone with such peace and support and speaks of not fearing the dark days because he knows they’ll all end in the safety nets of her arms. “Well, good morning there / What a way to start the day / With everything laid bare,” Ed Sheeran sings in the first verse, enthusiastic to be waking up beside his woman. He apologizes for missing her calls in the second verse and promises to return them because for him, speaking to her is the most important thing. “Well, I get lost inside my head / In this chaos, you’re my calm / And I will find my feet again / ‘Cause еven the worst days of my life will always еnd / At midnight in your arms,” sings Ed Sheeran in the chorus, revelling in his good luck.