Released: 2017
“I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” by ZAYN and Taylor Swift is a moody pop ballad about longing and heartbreak. The song captures the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of waiting and hoping for a lost love to return, highlighting the emotional turmoil that comes with unrequited love.
The song kicks off with ZAYN’s haunting vocals, “Been sitting eyes wide open behind these four walls, hoping you’d call.” This line paints a picture of isolation and desperation, as the narrator is waiting for a call that never comes. It’s a “cruel existence,” suggesting that without the other person, life feels pointless.
The chorus is a powerful declaration of not wanting to “live forever” if it means living without the one they love. This speaks to the intensity of their feelings, emphasizing that life without this person feels like living “in vain.” The repetition of “I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home” underscores the narrator’s determination and hope, despite the odds.
As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal a sense of confusion and self-doubt. “Wondering if I dodged a bullet or just lost the love of my life” reflects the internal conflict about whether losing this person was a blessing in disguise or a tragic loss. This line is relatable to anyone who’s ever questioned the end of a relationship.
Taylor Swift’s verse adds another layer of emotion, as she sings about feeling “crazy” and seeing the lost love “in all these empty faces.” This imagery of seeing reminders of the person everywhere adds to the feeling of inescapable heartache. The line “I’ve been looking sad in all the nicest places” suggests that no matter where she goes, the sadness follows.
The song wraps up with a relentless plea for the loved one to return, “I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home.” This repetition highlights the desperation and unwavering hope that love will eventually bring them back together. It’s a testament to the power of love and the lengths people will go to hold onto it.
