Feels Like We Only Go Backwards

Alex Turner's song "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" delves into the emotional turmoil of feeling stuck in a relationship that seems to be regressing rather than progressing. The repeated line, "It feels like I only go backwards, baby," captures the essence of this frustration. Despite the singer's desire to move forward, every attempt to do so is met with setbacks, leading to a cycle of hope and disappointment. This sentiment is further emphasized by the lines, "Every part of me says go ahead / I got my hopes up again, oh, no, not again," highlighting the internal conflict between wanting to advance and the reality of constant regression.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of unreciprocated feelings and the struggle to hold onto hope. The line, "I know that you think you sound silly when you call my name / But I hear it inside my head all day," suggests a deep emotional connection that is not fully acknowledged by the other person. This unbalanced dynamic creates a sense of longing and uncertainty, as the singer clings to the possibility that the other person's feelings might eventually align with their own.

Additionally, the song explores the concept of indecision and its impact on the relationship. The verse, "The seed of all this indecision isn't me, oh, no / Cause I decided long ago," indicates that the singer has made a firm decision about their feelings, but the relationship's progress is hindered by the other person's uncertainty. This indecision creates a barrier to achieving something real and meaningful, leaving the singer feeling trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled expectations.

Overall, "Feels Like We Only Go Backwards" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love, highlighting the challenges of navigating unreciprocated feelings, indecision, and the struggle to move forward in a relationship that seems to be stuck in reverse.