What Have They Done To Us (ft. Sasha Alex Sloan) (from the series Arcane League of Legends)

The overall theme revolves around the struggle of dealing with loss and the emotional scars it leaves behind. The song captures a sense of longing and confusion, as the speaker grapples with memories of someone important. It’s like trying to find your way through the fog of heartache. The imagery of scars and tears highlights the weight of unresolved feelings. It’s raw and relatable, showing how past relationships can leave a lasting mark on our hearts.

Verse 1

As you wake up in a cold sweat
Little girl, what goes on in your head? (Goes on in your)
All this hatred in your heart, yet
I mourn the most for all the things I never said

In this verse, we see the speaker in a vulnerable moment, waking up scared and confused. The mention of a “little girl” suggests innocence lost, hinting at a relationship that’s gone wrong. The line about "hatred" contrasts with mourning, showing how deeply mixed emotions can be. There’s a sense of regret here, especially about things left unsaid. It makes you think about how important words can be when it comes to resolving issues and healing wounds.

Chorus

What have they done to us? (Tell me that you'll never come back)
(Tell me that you, tell me, would you please come back? I need you)
What have they done to us? (Tell me that you'll never come back)
(Tell me that you, tell me, would you please come back? I need you)

The chorus hits hard with the repeated question, "What have they done to us?" It feels like a cry for answers and closure. The back-and-forth between wanting someone to stay and urging them to leave shows the inner conflict of wanting to hold onto memories while also knowing they cause pain. This tension makes the chorus powerful, as it captures the feeling of being torn between love and loss.

Verse 2

Save this memory for when we kiss it goodbye
Little girl, I won't see you again
Bury your scars deep as you can
Let the tears on my face wash the blood from your hands, little one

In this verse, there’s a strong sense of finality. The idea of saving memories for a goodbye suggests that the relationship is over, but those memories still linger. The line about burying scars speaks to hiding pain rather than addressing it, which many people can relate to. The vivid imagery of tears and blood adds a layer of intensity, highlighting the deep emotional wounds that come from the loss and hurt in relationships.

Chorus

(That you'll never come back)
(Tell me that you, tell me, would you please come back?)
Don't make me go through this again
(Tell me that you'll never come back)
(Tell me that you, tell me, would you please come back?)

This repetition in the chorus reinforces the struggle. It’s almost like a plea that echoes the earlier sentiments. The speaker is caught in a loop of wanting to move on but feeling the pull of the past. It’s a reminder of how difficult it can be to let go of someone who has caused both love and pain. The emotional weight of these lines really drives home that internal battle.

Bridge

You're not real and I can't pretend
This story is over, I ripped out the end
Tell me, who are you, then?

In the bridge, there’s a shift as the speaker confronts the reality of their emotions. Saying “you’re not real” suggests that the relationship feels almost like a dream or a memory that can’t be grasped anymore. The line about ripping out the end shows a desire to take control of the narrative, even if it feels impossible. It raises questions about identity and loss, emphasizing how relationships shape who we are.

Outro

What have they done to us? (Tell me that you'll never come back)
(Tell me that you, tell me, would you please come back? I need you)
What have they done to us? (Tell me that you'll never come back)
(Tell me that you, tell me, would you please come back? I need you)

The outro circles back to the central question, leaving listeners with a haunting sense of unresolved feelings. It feels like a loop that can’t break, mirroring how memories can trap us in the past. This repetition serves to emphasize the struggle to move on, making the song feel both complete and open-ended. It’s a powerful way to end, reminding us that the impact of relationships lingers long after they’re over.

Closing Thoughts

Overall, the song captures the complexity of love and loss beautifully. It speaks to everyone who’s ever had to say goodbye while still holding onto the memories. The lyrics are heartfelt and relatable, and the repeated questions create a lasting impression of longing and unresolved pain. It’s a reminder that even when a story ends, the emotions connected to it can still linger on.