GIVĒON – RATHER BE Lyrics Meaning

RATHER BE Lyrics Meaning

Before exploring the meaning of English song “RATHER BE” by “GIVĒON”, it’s important to understand the creative background that shaped it. Written by “GIVĒON & others” and produced by “Matthew Burnett, Sevn Thomas, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Jahaan Sweet & Maneesh”, the song reflects their signature blend of “R&B”. This song was released on May 16, 2025.

Read: RATHER BE Lyrics

In the song “Rather Be,” by GIVĒON expresses his deep emotional struggle after a breakup. He begins by admitting that he would rather be seen as foolish than move on to a new relationship. This choice highlights his lingering attachment to his former lover, indicating that the idea of starting fresh with someone else feels impossible. The pain of separation is so intense that even crying and drinking, which are typical ways to cope, no longer provide relief.

The chorus reinforces this feeling, where GIVĒON clearly states he would rather hold on to the past than invest his emotions in someone new. To him, even the best aspects of a new person cannot compare to the memories and feelings he has with his ex. His love is so strong that no one else seems to measure up, and he prefers the certainty of what he lost over the uncertainty of someone new.

In the second verse, GIVĒON describes being alone in a room, overwhelmed by memories of his ex. He wishes they would come back or show some indication of settling down. He tries to distract himself by dancing to songs that they once loved together, but the experience only deepens his sense of loss. His world feels dark because, to him, the person he lost was like the sun—bringing warmth and light into his life. Even a simple reminder, like seeing their face in his phone, triggers tears because the memories are so powerful and impossible to forget.

As the pre-chorus begins, GIVĒON admits that despite everything, he is still comparing his ex to others. He recognizes that the new person does not match his ex in any meaningful way. In fact, he would rather accept the mistakes his ex made than endure the emptiness of being without them. This further shows his reluctance to let go, even if moving on is what he is “supposed” to do.

The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the core theme of the song. GIVĒON reaffirms his choice—he would rather be labeled a fool for holding on to his past love than pretend he could replace them. No one else feels like a worthy alternative, and he is content being emotionally attached, even if it means suffering.

The final post-chorus brings the song to a close with a sense of unresolved longing. The repetition of the vocal sounds (Oh-oh, yeah, Oh-oh-oh) adds a haunting, emotional depth, reflecting his ongoing heartache. Despite everything, GIVĒON cannot escape his feelings, and the song leaves the impression that he is still trapped in his memories.

[Note: This is the possible meaning of this song, based on lyrics, words & tone. Every song Meaning and Summary we share or publish in this website only depend on lyrics analysis, not from Artist own perspective.]

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RATHER BE (MV)

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