Meaning of After Hours by The Weeknd

The Weeknd's song "After Hours" explores the theme of heartbreak and the aftermath of a failed relationship. The lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil that follows a breakup, as well as the internal struggle of wanting to make amends and hold onto the past.One standout lyric is, "Thought I almost died in my dream again (Baby, almost died), Fightin' for my life, I couldn't breathe again." These lines express the profound impact of heartbreak on one's mental and emotional wellbeing. The idea of fighting for one's life in a dream reflects the intensity of the pain and desperation felt after a breakup. It conveys the sense of suffocation and the desperate need to resolve the situation.Furthermore, the line "I wanna share babies, Protection, we won’t need, Your body next to me, Is just a memory" introduces the theme of lost dreams and unfulfilled plans. The desire to share a future and have a family together is contrasted with the cold reality of being left with only memories. This lyric demonstrates the longing for what could have been and the pain of realizing that those dreams will never be realized.Another poignant lyric is, "My darkest hours, Girl, I felt so alone inside of this crowded room, Different girls on the floor, distractin' my thoughts of you." Here, the song touches on the theme of self-destructive behavior as a coping mechanism for heartbreak. The protagonist finds himself surrounded by people and distractions, but none of it can fill the void left by the loss of his loved one. The emptiness he feels drives him to seek temporary solace in the arms of others, ultimately reminding him of what he has truly lost.The verse, "Never comin' down, uh, I was running away from facin' reality, uh, Wasting all of my time out living my fantasies, Spending money to compensate, compensate" explores the theme of escapism. The protagonist attempts to numb the pain and avoid confronting his emotions by indulging in a lavish lifestyle and living in a fantasy world. However, this ultimately proves to be an empty and unsatisfying pursuit. It highlights the notion that avoiding reality and relying on materialistic distractions cannot fill the void left by a broken relationship.In the chorus, the lyrics, "Oh, baby, Where are you now when I need you most? I'd give it all just to hold you close, Sorry that I broke your heart, your heart" touch upon the theme of regret and the desire to make amends. The protagonist expresses remorse for the pain he has caused and the damage done to the relationship. The desperation to turn back time and the willingness to sacrifice everything to mend what is broken reflect the powerful emotions associated with the aftermath of a breakup.Finally, the lyric, "Can't hide the truth, I'd stay with her in spite of you, You did some things that you regret, still ride for you, 'Cause this house is not a home" explores the theme of conflicting emotions and the struggle to let go. Despite acknowledging the mistakes of his past partner, the protagonist still has lingering feelings and a willingness to forgive. It highlights the complexity of relationships and the difficulty of moving on when love and attachment remain.Overall, "After Hours" encapsulates the raw emotions and turmoil that follow a failed relationship. The song delves into themes of heartbreak, regret, escapism, and the struggle to let go. Through its poignant lyrics, it paints a vivid picture of the internal battle one faces when trying to heal from a broken relationship. The Weeknd's emotive vocals and introspective lyrics make "After Hours" a powerful portrayal of the human experience of love and loss.