Fashionably Late

Summary

"Fashionably Late" is about a guy who's juggling relationships and being completely unapologetic about it. He’s in a messy situation, not caring about the feelings of the person he’s hurting.

Full Analysis

The song dives into themes of casual relationships and the often selfish nature of young love. The narrator doesn't seem to care about the emotional fallout from his actions. Instead, he’s focused on having fun and living in the moment, even if it means hurting others. It’s a playful yet careless take on romance, highlighting the drama that comes with dating.

Verse 1

In this opening verse, we see the narrator in a social setting, waiting for someone who’s late. There’s a sense of excitement mixed with a hint of guilt. He acknowledges his wrongdoings, having made out with the girl’s friends, but he brushes it off as if it's just part of the game. The phrase "fashionably late" suggests that he’s used to this kind of drama and isn't particularly bothered by the emotional mess it creates.

Chorus

I love the way that this began, started off right, so innocent
I'm letting you know, I'm letting you go, I want your best friend
I'm giving it up and asking why you seemed so shocked and so surprised
I'm sorry it hurts, I'm surely a jerk, I understand why you're mad

The chorus reveals a shift in the narrator's feelings. He reflects on how things started out positively but now he's moving on to someone else – her best friend, no less. He recognizes that this hurts the girl, but his casual tone shows he’s not taking it too seriously. It’s almost like he’s resigned to the fact that his actions will hurt someone, yet he doesn’t feel the need to change.

Verse 2

Don't talk that crap when you call me back
As a matter of fact, don't act like that
Everybody knows you're right
Everybody knows I'm wrong

Here, the narrator is defensive. He’s anticipating the girl’s reaction and tells her not to complain when she calls. He acknowledges that she has every reason to be upset, but he shifts the blame onto her for being emotional. This shows a lack of accountability and a focus on avoiding confrontation rather than addressing the hurt he’s caused.

Chorus

*It's nine o'clock on the dot at the spot, and I'm hanging with her friends again / Great taste, beautiful place, and you're fashionably late

Full Lyrics

▼

It's nine o'clock on the dot at the spot, and I'm hanging with her friends again
Great taste, beautiful place, and you're fashionably late
And I don't wanna be that guy that makes you sad, makes you cry again
Without a doubt, sorry about making out with your friends, go

I love the way that this began, started off right, so innocent
I'm letting you know, I'm letting you go, I want your best friend
I'm giving it up and asking why you seemed so shocked and so surprised
I'm sorry it hurts, I'm surely a jerk, I understand why you're mad

Don't talk that crap when you call me back
As a matter of fact, don't act like that
Everybody knows you're right
Everybody knows I'm wrong

It's nine o'clock on the dot at the spot, and I'm hanging with her friends again
Great taste, beautiful place, and you're fashionably late
And I don't wanna be that guy that makes you sad, makes you cry again
Without a doubt, sorry about making out with your friends

It's got nothing to do with how you look, just another excuse to write a hook
I'm letting you know, she liked my post up on my Facebook
And after all, you're not my type, but all your friends are pretty nice
You know what I mean, stop making a scene and take some words of advice

Don't talk that crap when you call me back
As a matter of fact, don't act like that
Everybody knows you're right
Everybody knows I'm wrong

It's nine o'clock on the dot at the spot, and I'm hanging with her friends again
Great taste, beautiful place, and you're fashionably late
And I don't wanna be that guy that makes you sad, makes you cry again
Without a doubt, sorry about making out with your friends

And I've got the topic conversation now
And I know I'm running out of time
It's not an honest demonstration now
You're not the only one, not the only one

Don't talk that crap when you call me back
As a matter of fact, don't act like that
Everybody knows you're right
Everybody, sing along, ah

And I don't wanna be that guy that makes you sad, makes you cry again
Without a doubt, sorry about fucking all your friends

It's nine o'clock on the dot at the spot, and I'm hanging with her friends again
Great taste, beautiful place, and you're fashionably late
And I don't wanna be that guy that makes you sad, makes you cry again
Without a doubt, sorry about making out with your friends

Making out with your friends
Making out with your friends

Without a doubt, sorry about having sex with all your friends, hahaha