Young, standing on the edge of 21
Staring at the man that I become sometimes
When I lose my control
He’s dumb, if you blink he’ll blow up like a gun
Jumping to conclusions just for fun
That guy, needs somebody to hold
Needs somebody he knows
Where the hell did she go?
It kinda makes me feel like
I wish I could change my name
I wish I could start again
Fly me to a lonely place
Where you’ll never see my face
So you’ll never feel the pain of
What was
When you’re standing in the rain
Calling out my name
Nothing’s gonna change
What was
Cold, driving through my neighborhood alone
Going past the house but I’m not home this time
Haven’t been in a while
I haven’t been, ’cause I’m far away
In another state miles away from us
As you try to fan a dying flame
While ashes turn to dust
I wish I could change my name
I wish I could start again
Fly me to a lonely place
Where you’ll never see my face
So you’ll never feel the pain of
What was
When you’re standing in the rain
Calling out my name
Nothing’s gonna change
What was
Let me, start over
The moment that I left you in tears
Is a memory that will haunt me for years
And years, and years, and years, and years
Oh, it still does
Oh, it still does
What was
You need somebody to hold
Where the hell did I go?
Facing the Shadows of the Past
Benson Boone’s “What Was” delves into the turmoil of self-reflection and the ache of lost love. The lyrics capture the uncertainty and vulnerability of youth, standing on the edge of new beginnings while haunted by the mistakes of the past. Boone personifies his struggles, describing a part of himself that’s impulsive and self-destructive, needing comfort and understanding. This inner conflict is mirrored in his longing for a fresh start, wishing he could escape the pain he’s caused and the memories that linger.
Longing for Redemption
The song’s narrative centers on regret and the enduring impact of choices made. The haunting refrain expresses a desire to shield a former lover from heartache, even at the cost of erasing himself from their life. Boone’s evocative storytelling is underscored by a sense of isolation, amplified by imagery of driving alone and being miles away both physically and emotionally. The repeated wish to “start over” is both a plea for forgiveness and an admission of the scars that remain from “what was.”
Song Credits
- Artist: Benson Boone
- Release Year: 2024