Free Time

Ruel's song 'Free Time' delves into the emotional aftermath of a breakup, capturing the sense of emptiness and aimlessness that often follows the end of a significant relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's daily life, now devoid of the routines and shared moments that once filled their days. The opening lines, 'My eyes are shut, sleep too much / Probably should get up, but what's the rush?' set the tone for a narrative steeped in lethargy and a lack of motivation, highlighting how the absence of a loved one can disrupt even the most mundane activities.

The chorus, 'All of my friends say: Don't worry / I promise you'll be fine / But now I'm alone and I'm lost in my phone / With this free time,' underscores the protagonist's struggle to cope with their newfound solitude. Despite well-meaning reassurances from friends, the protagonist finds themselves adrift, filling the void with aimless scrolling on their phone. This modern-day metaphor for distraction and disconnection emphasizes the difficulty of moving on and the pervasive sense of loss that lingers.

Ruel's reflective tone is further amplified in the bridge, where he admits, 'Freedom / Thought it was all that I needed / Said I'd be cool with you leaving / Maybe I was wrong.' This moment of introspection reveals a deeper layer of regret and realization, as the protagonist confronts the harsh reality that freedom without the person they care about feels hollow. The song concludes with a poignant voicemail, adding a personal touch that underscores the lingering desire for reconnection and closure. Through 'Free Time,' Ruel masterfully captures the bittersweet and often painful process of adjusting to life after love, resonating with anyone who has experienced the void left by a significant other's absence.