Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: ska
Song Meaning of “If You Didn’t Mean It” by Allister
If You Didn’t Mean It by Allister speaks to the sense of betrayal that comes when finding out that the person you love did not mean what they said and did not have the truth at heart. It speaks to the sense of loss and loneliness that can follow, and the need to find a way to move forward without the other person.
The opening lines of the song make a direct appeal for acknowledgement of truth – “If you didn’t mean it, tell me so / I won’t believe anymore”. Here, the protagonist feels desperate for clarity and relies more on honesty than emotion to help them move on. Even though they may still feel betrayed by the other person, they are ready to embrace the truth and stop torturing themselves.
The chorus brings a sense of finality as the protagonist realizes that the person that they cared for was not loyal to them: “I’m never gonna find out why / You said it if you didn’t mean it”. The lyrics here evoke a sad but resigned mood; they acknowledge that it is time to move on and no longer wait for the elusive truth they so desire.
The bridge of the song uses the metaphor of a raging river to bring out the sense of helplessness the protagonist feels – “We’re just getting swept away / On the currents of a river so wide and strong”.