“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay is a conversation between two lovers. The guy feels ordinary, listing heroes like Batman and Achilles, and admits he doesn’t match up. But here’s the twist: his lover doesn’t want a hero. She just wants him, flaws and all. It’s about love’s simplicity, finding beauty in the ordinary. The song is a heartfelt message that you don’t need to be a superhero to be loved. So, why this song? It’s a reminder that love is about connection and acceptance, not perfection.
Curious about how a chart-topping hit tackles love and vulnerability?
“Something Just Like This” Lyrics Meaning
“I’ve been reading books of old, The legends and the myths…” Perhaps the singer feels inadequate and reflects on grand tales of heroes and gods. “Achilles and his gold, Hercules and his gifts…” These are examples of extraordinary beings with exceptional stories.
Yet, as he contemplates these legends, he realizes, “Clearly I don’t see myself upon that list.” He doesn’t feel heroic or legendary. He’s just a regular guy, and this acknowledgment brings a sense of vulnerability to the forefront.
But here’s where the song takes a beautiful turn. His partner asks, “Where’d you wanna go? How much you wanna risk?” She’s inviting him into a journey of love, one that doesn’t require superhuman abilities or grand gestures.
“I’m not lookin’ for somebody with some superhuman gifts, Some superhero, some fairy-tale bliss…” She’s rejecting the need for perfection in love. She’s looking for something real, something tangible.
“Just something I can turn to, somebody I can kiss.” Her desire is simple and heartfelt. She wants a partner, a confidante, and the beauty of this lyric lies in its simplicity. Love, to her, is found in the everyday moments, in the simple act of turning to one another, in the comfort of a kiss.
“I want something just like this” becomes a chorus that echoes their mutual desire for a love that is genuine and unpretentious. It’s a love that finds its strength in vulnerability and acceptance.
As the song continues, the man reflects on more heroic tales. “The testaments they told, the moon and its eclipse…” Even the grandest stories of history and nature don’t fit his sense of self.
“And Superman unrolls, a suit before he lifts…” Even Superman, a symbol of strength and heroism, prepares for his grand moments. But our singer, he doesn’t feel the need to put on a façade. He’s embracing his ordinary self.
In the end, the repetition of “I want something just like this” solidifies their mutual understanding. They’ve found love in each other, not in grandiosity, but in authenticity. The “doo-doo-doo’s” perhaps serve as a playful reminder that love doesn’t have to be complicated; it can be as simple and catchy as a melody that stays with you.
The Story Behind “Something Just Like This”
This song wasn’t just written on a whim. The Chainsmokers and Coldplay, both known for their deep, emotional tracks, came together to create something meaningful. They wanted to challenge the typical love song narrative, showing that love isn’t about grand gestures or being a superhero. It’s about connection, understanding, and accepting each other’s flaws.
The songwriters, in their own lives, must have experienced or witnessed love’s simplicity and wanted to share that message with the world. They crafted a narrative that speaks to the ordinary person, reminding us all that we are enough, just as we are. The partnership between the two bands brought together different musical styles, creating a unique blend that captures the essence of the song’s message.