“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay is more than just an earworm; it’s a song that resonates with listeners on an emotional level due to its relatable and heartfelt message. While the melody is catchy and the beat is infectious, the lyrics delve into the desire for authentic, everyday love, contrasting it with the often unattainable ideals presented in myths and superhero narratives. This article explores the meaning of “Something Just Like This Song”, verse by verse, to understand why it has captured the hearts of so many.
Verse 1: Legends, Myths, and the Ordinary Self
I’ve been reading books of old
The legends and the myths
Achilles and his gold
Hercules and his gold
Spiderman’s control
And Batman with his fists
And clearly I don’t see myself up on that list
The song opens with Chris Martin listing iconic figures from ancient legends and modern superhero stories. Achilles, known for his invincibility and gold, Hercules, famed for his strength and riches, and contemporary heroes like Spiderman with his self-control and Batman with his power, are all invoked. This verse establishes a clear contrast: the narrator is reflecting on these extraordinary figures and acknowledging that he doesn’t measure up to their legendary status. He recognizes he is not among these figures of mythic proportions. This sets the stage for the song’s central theme – the beauty of ordinary love in contrast to extraordinary ideals.
Pre-Chorus: Shifting Focus to Real Expectations
But she said, “Where’d you wanna go?”
How much you wanna risk?”
I’m not looking for somebody”
With some superhuman gifts”
Some superhero”
Some fairytale bliss”
Just something I can turn to”
Somebody I can kiss/miss”
The pre-chorus marks a turning point. A female voice enters the narrative, representing the perspective of the narrator’s love interest. She directly addresses his contemplations about legendary figures, cutting through his insecurities. Her questions, “Where’d you wanna go? How much you wanna risk?” are an invitation to real-life experiences and vulnerabilities, not grand, mythical adventures. She explicitly states she isn’t seeking someone with “superhuman gifts” or “fairytale bliss.” Instead, she desires something tangible and real: someone dependable (“something I can turn to”) and affectionate (“somebody I can kiss/miss”). This highlights a desire for a relationship grounded in reality, not fantasy.
Bridge & Chorus: The Anthem of Relatable Love
I want something just like this
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo…
Oh, I want something just like this
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo…
Oh, I want something just like this
I want something just like this
The chorus is the emotional core of “something just like this song”. The repetition of “I want something just like this” becomes an anthem, emphasizing the yearning for the kind of ordinary, reliable love described in the pre-chorus. Musically, this section builds in intensity, mirroring the emotional release and affirmation of this simple desire. The “doo, doo, doo” sounds contribute to the song’s sing-along quality and reinforce its catchy, heartfelt nature. It’s an expression of wanting a love that is accessible and genuine, “just like this”—ordinary yet profound.
Verse 2: Reaffirming Ordinary Expectations
I’ve been reading books of old
The legends and the myths
The testaments they told
The moon and its eclipse
And Superman unrolls
A suit before he lifts
But I’m not the kind of person that it fits
Verse 2 echoes Verse 1, reinforcing the theme. The narrator again reflects on grand narratives – “testaments they told” and epic events like “the moon and its eclipse.” Superman, perhaps the most iconic superhero, is added to the list of extraordinary figures. The image of Superman preparing to fly further emphasizes the exceptional nature of these figures. The concluding line, “But I’m not the kind of person that it fits,” reiterates the narrator’s feeling of not measuring up to these idealized images, making the subsequent pre-chorus and chorus even more impactful.
The Underlying Message: Embracing Real, Everyday Love
The deeper meaning of “Something Just Like This” lies in its celebration of ordinary love and relationships. It acknowledges the common feeling of inadequacy when comparing oneself to idealized figures and narratives. The song’s genius is in its simple yet powerful message: true love doesn’t require superhuman feats or fairytale perfection. It’s found in the everyday moments, in reliability, affection, and genuine connection.
The song’s cover art, often featuring a child dressed as a superhero, perfectly encapsulates this theme. It represents the childhood aspiration to be extraordinary, which contrasts with the adult realization that real life, and real love, is often found in the ordinary. “Something Just Like This” reassures listeners that they don’t need to be superheroes to be worthy of love or to give love. It’s a sweet and uplifting reminder to value and cherish the “something just like this” – the real, tangible, and beautiful love that exists in everyday life. The song encourages listeners to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary and find heroism in genuine human connection.
