The Meaning Behind The Song: When You Know by Neck Deep
The Meaning Behind The Song: “When You Know” by Neck Deep
Neck Deep’s song “When You Know” is a track from their album “All Distortions Are Intentional” released in 2020. As a fan of the band, this song holds a special place in my heart, and it has resonated with me on a personal level. Through its lyrics and emotional delivery, it explores themes of love, realization, and the desire to hold onto a special connection.
In “When You Know,” the band tells an overarching story from their album, focusing on one of the main characters, Jett, and his realization of his love for the second protagonist, Alice. This deeply relatable theme of unrequited love and the discovery of true feelings creates an emotional journey for the listener. It’s easy to imagine that Neck Deep’s lead singer, Ben Barlow, could be drawing from his own experiences and reflecting on his relationship with his girlfriend through these characters.
The lyrics of the song beautifully capture the internal struggle of wanting to hold onto a special connection. In the chorus, the lines “Sunshine, we don’t belong here, we got no flowers to grow” convey a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty in the relationship. Despite this, the lyrics also express the undeniable happiness and comfort felt when being with someone you love, as seen in the line “But it feels so good with you on me, baby, yeah, it feels so good when you know.”
The verse encourages embracing one’s own demons and feelings, acknowledging that there is a reason for holding onto certain emotions. The lines “Make peace with your demons and hope that they leave you alone, and make peace with your feelings, admit there’s a reason you’re not letting go” speak to the internal struggle many face in relationships. It beautifully highlights the complexity of emotions and the importance of accepting them.
The bridge and outro of the song further emphasize the desire to hold onto the feeling of being wanted and cherished. The lines “You wanna bottle the feeling, never let go, God, I hate when you’re leaving” capture the bittersweet moment of parting ways but also the longing to keep that feeling alive.
Aside from the lyrics, it’s worth mentioning the music video for “When You Know.” It was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the band collaborating with their fans who were in lockdown. This adds another layer of connection and intimacy to the song, as it showcases the unity and shared experience between the band and their fans.
“When You Know” is a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced the whirlwind of emotions that come with falling in love, realizing your feelings, and wanting to hold onto that special connection. Neck Deep’s powerful lyrics and heartfelt delivery beautifully capture these emotions, making it a memorable and relatable song for fans and listeners alike.
Credits
– Written By: Zakk Cervini, Daniel Washington, Joshua Halling, Matthew West, Sam Bowden, Seb Barlow & Ben Barlow
– Performer Additional: Ted Jensen
– Drums & Percussion: Dani Washington
– Release Date: March 27, 2020
