Beyond the Chorus: Deconstructing the Meaning of “High” by 5 Seconds of Summer

When 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) released their fourth studio album, CALM, in 2020, it marked a mature pivot for the Australian pop-rock band. Known early on in their career for anthemic pop-punk tracks, the band evolved into a sophisticated, introspective outfit exploring the complexities of heartbreak, mental health, and personal growth.

Serving as the emotional closing track of the album, the song “High” stands out as one of their most lyrically intricate and emotionally resonant pieces. Far from a standard, melodramatic breakup song, “High” offers a bittersweet, self-aware, and slightly ironic look at ego, longing, and the aftermath of a fractured relationship.

The Core Wordplay: “High” vs. “Highly”

At the heart of the track is a clever linguistic hook that sets the tone for the entire song:

“I hope you think of me high / I hope you think of me highly / When you’re with someone else…”

Lead singer Luke Hemmings has described the track as having an almost “narcissistic note to yourself.” The wordplay operates on two levels:

1. Literal/State of Mind: Hoping that when the ex-partner is intoxicated, lighthearted, or experiencing a euphoric high, they still reminisce about the narrator.
2. Reputation/Esteem: Hoping that, despite how things ended, the ex still holds a positive opinion—thinking of them highly.

This double meaning encapsulates the narrator’s ego-driven yet vulnerable plea: they know they are out of the picture, yet they desperately want to linger in the other person’s mind favorably.

Key Themes Explored in “High”

1. Radical Self-Awareness and Flaws

Unlike songs that paint the narrator as an innocent victim of a cruel ex, “High” leans heavily into personal accountability. Hemmings explicitly admits to his shortcomings with the line:

*”I know I’ll never meet your expectations /