Meaning and Lyrics of Bleach by 5 Seconds of Summer

“Bleach” by 5 Seconds of Summer is a poignant and introspective song that delves into the struggles of trying to move on from a past relationship. The lyrics speak to the desire to start fresh and wash away the pain and memories associated with a lost love.

In the first verse sung by Luke, the imagery of wanting to be the only thought in someone’s mind and the only name on their lips highlights a sense of longing and attachment. The metaphor of bleach symbolizes the desire for a clean slate, a fresh beginning, and a way to rid oneself of the emotional baggage that comes with heartache.

The pre-chorus sung by Luke touches on the internal battles faced when trying to let go of someone who has caused hurt. The reference to bringing a knife to a gun fight suggests feeling ill-equipped for the emotional turmoil, yet still willing to fight. The need to make up for lost time hints at regret and the longing for a second chance.

The chorus, sung by all members with Luke taking the lead, emphasizes the idea of using bleach as a metaphor for starting over and escaping the pain. The repetition of the lines about bleaching hair every Saturday echoes the repetitive nature of trying to move past a breakup and find a way to live without the person who once meant so much. The visual of everything being spun down the drain conveys a sense of loss and the act of letting go.

In the second verse performed by Calum, the lyrics delve into the regrets of unspoken words and the difficulty in escaping memories that resurface despite efforts to move on. The theme of feeling haunted by the past and finding it hard to distance oneself from a previous relationship is apparent.

The outro sung by Luke expresses the difficulty in letting go of desires and dreams when facing the reality of a failed relationship. The repeated lines about watching everything wanted being spun down the drain evoke a sense of loss and resignation, yet also hint at a glimmer of hope for a new beginning.

Overall, “Bleach” conveys a message of resilience, self-reflection, and the struggle to let go while also hinting at the possibility of finding a way to start anew despite the pain of a breakup.