Sideways

This song digs into the messy side of relationships, where things go unsaid and misunderstandings pile up. The artist expresses a desire for honest communication but feels stuck in a loop of past issues. The repeated theme of looking “sideways” suggests that there’s a lack of trust or openness, adding to the tension between the two people involved.

Verse 1

So tell me it's all in my head
Because I'm keeping to myself, and you're looking at me sideways
There's some things that are hard to forget
And I just put it to bed, yeah, that's if I had it my way

In this verse, the speaker is grappling with their own thoughts. They’re aware of their partner’s judgment, feeling that the other person is looking at them sideways. This creates a sense of isolation. The mention of things that are hard to forget shows that there's a deeper history that weighs on them, even if they try to move past it. It sets the stage for a struggle between wanting to let go and being dragged down by lingering feelings.

Chorus

And now it's coming back around again
Another story that you wrote me in
I wasn't looking for a way to win
I was just waiting for the plot to end

The chorus highlights a cycle of recurring issues. The speaker feels like they’re caught in a story written by someone else, suggesting they don’t have control over their own narrative. They don’t want to fight or win; they just want the drama to be over. This reflects a sense of exhaustion with the relationship dynamics, where they’re just waiting for things to settle down.

Verse 2

Whatever happened to a fresh start?
Oh, maybe civil is a lost art
'Cause now you're looking at me sideways
Can you just put it to bed?

Here, the speaker longs for a clean slate, questioning why it feels so hard to start anew. The phrase “civil is a lost art” suggests a breakdown in communication and respect. They feel that their partner’s sideways glance signifies judgment and unresolved tension. The plea to “put it to bed” shows a desire to end the conflict and move on, but it’s clear that’s not happening easily.

Chorus

'Cause you're looking at me sideways
Can you just put it to bed?
'Cause you're looking at me sideways

This chorus repeats the earlier themes, emphasizing the frustration of feeling judged without clear communication. The insistence on wanting to resolve things reflects the speaker's hope for resolution, but it feels increasingly out of reach. It captures that sense of wanting peace but facing an obstacle in their partner's attitude.

Bridge

Getting it off of your chest
Yeah, you've always been the one, one to put me back in my place
And I, I could settle for less
You know we'd save a lot of time if you said it right to my face

In the bridge, the speaker points out the dynamic of power in their relationship. They feel like they’re often put down or belittled. The idea that they could “settle for less” suggests they’re tired of the emotional rollercoaster. The wish for direct communication shows a longing for honesty. It’s a moment of clarity where the speaker realizes that open dialogue could save them both from unnecessary pain.

Outro

(Tell me it's all in my head)
Can you just put it to bed?
'Cause you're looking at me sideways
(There's some things that are hard to forget)
Can you just put it to bed?
'Cause you're looking at me sideways

The outro returns to the main themes of the song, reinforcing the feelings of confusion and frustration. The repetition of questions and requests highlights their desperation for resolution. It loops back to the idea that unresolved issues are still haunting them, leaving the listener with a sense of lingering tension and uncertainty.

Closing Thoughts

"Sideways" captures the struggle of navigating a relationship filled with misunderstandings and unspoken words. Balu Brigada’s lyrics reflect a deep yearning for clarity and peace, while also showcasing the frustration that comes when two people can’t communicate effectively. It’s relatable and hits hard for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a cycle of unresolved tension.