Thought the day you disappeared that it was over
Didn’t even hear you leavin’
Saw you with someone and thought that it was closure
But you still tell me that you need me
Baby, why, tell me, why
Can’t you just make up your mind?
Quit messin’ with my head
You can’t say you hate me
Then call me when you’re hurt
Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no
That’s not how this works
You can’t walk away
Then come back to what we were
Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no
That’s not how this works, no
No, no, no, no
Oh, no, no, no, no
Baby, that’s not how this works, no
That’s not how this works, oh
Stop remindin’ me of when we said “forever”
I know exactly what you’re doin’
Oh, when you say you need to drop off all my sweaters
It’s just one of your excuses
Baby, why, tell me, why
Can’t you just make up your mind?
Quit messin’ with my head
You can’t say you hate me
Then call me when you’re hurt
Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no
That’s not how this works
You can’t walk away
Then come back to what we were
Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no (That’s not how this works)
That’s not how this works, no (Not how this works)
Don’t say that you’re in love with me (Say that you’re in love)
‘Cause I know it’s not what you mean
You can’t say you hate me
Then call me when you’re hurt
Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no
That’s not how this works (Works, baby, no)
You can’t walk away
Then come back to what we were
Baby, you know that’s not how this works, no
That’s not how this works, no (Oh, woah)
No, no, no, no (Hey)
Oh, no, no, no, no (Ooh, ooh, ooh)
Baby, that’s not how this works, no (This works)
That’s not how this works, oh (This works)
No, no, no, no (Ooh, oh, oh)
Oh, no, no, no, no
Baby, that’s not how this works
Emotional Tug-of-War: Navigating Mixed Signals
“That’s Not How This Works (Sabrina’s Version)” by Charlie Puth captures the emotional turmoil of a relationship trapped in cycles of confusion and indecision. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartbreak, as the narrator struggles to process a partner who sends conflicting signals—leaving, returning, and expressing both love and hate. Through candid lines about “messing with my head” and reminders of past promises, the song highlights the pain of trying to move on when closure remains elusive. The repeated refrain reinforces a plea for honesty and consistency, making the track deeply relatable for anyone who’s experienced the push-pull of a complicated love.
Song Credits
Songwriters: Charlie Puth, Jake Torrey, Sasha Alex Sloan
Release Year: 2023