Released: 2022
Features: Jung Kook, BTS
“Left and Right” by Charlie Puth, featuring Jung Kook of BTS, is a track that speaks volumes with its simplicity. At its core, it’s about not being able to shake off the memory of a past lover. They’re stuck in the mind, left and right, day and night, no matter how much the narrator wants to move on.
The song kicks off with “Memories follow me left and right,” painting an immediate picture of someone haunted by their past. The repetition of “I can feel you over here” emphasizes the omnipresence of this person in the narrator’s thoughts, almost like a ghost that won’t leave them alone. The line “You take up every corner of my mind” gives us this image of the past lover occupying every bit of mental space, leaving no room for anything else.
As the song progresses, it dives deeper into this emotional turmoil with “Ever since the-the day you ran away,” underscoring the pivotal moment that led to this endless cycle of memories. The question “what ya gon’ do now?” echoes throughout, acting as a reminder of the struggle to find a way out of this mental prison. The admission of trying to forget by focusing on oneself or resorting to drinking highlights the desperation in trying to escape these haunting memories.
The chorus is where the emotional weight truly hits, as it combines the longing with a catchy, yet melancholic melody. The phrases “You’re going ’round in circles” and “Got you stuck in my head” encapsulate this feeling of being trapped in a loop of reminiscence. The simple declaration “Your love stays with me day and night” reveals the depth of the impact this person has had on the narrator’s life, indicating a love that transcends time and presence.
Towards the end, the lyrics “Did you know you’re the one that got away?” and “And even now, baby, I’m still not okay” give us a glimpse into the vulnerability and the unresolved feelings the narrator holds. It’s a moment of raw honesty, where they acknowledge the lasting imprint left by this relationship. The recurring “what ya gon’ do now?” serves as a final reflection, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved emotion and the lingering question of how to move forward.
In essence, “Left and Right” captures the universal experience of trying to heal from a love that’s left its mark, using vivid imagery and infectious rhythms to tell a story of heartache and the struggle to let go.
