High 5SOS Meaning: What Does the 5 Seconds of Summer Track Mean?

Decoding “High” by 5 Seconds of Summer: Meaning and Emotional Depth

Released as the closing track on 5 Seconds of Summer’s (5SOS) fourth studio album, CALM (2020), “High” stands out as one of the band’s most emotionally complex and vulnerable songs. Rather than serving as a standard, bitter breakup anthem, the track explores the fragile space between regret, self-growth, and the lingering desire to be remembered fondly by someone from your past.

Key Lyrical Themes

• The Double Meaning of “High”: The core hook relies on a clever play on words: “I hope you think of me high / I hope you think of me highly.” On one level, it nods to nostalgic memories of carefree, altered, or euphoric moments shared together (“the mornings we were high”). On another, it is a humble plea for the ex-partner to hold a high, respectful opinion of them, despite how things ended.
• Vulnerability vs. Ego: Frontman Luke Hemmings has noted that the song carries a slightly self-indulgent or narcissistic exterior—hoping an ex still misses you or compares new partners to you—which quickly dissolves into raw vulnerability. The narrator admits their flaws, acknowledging, “I know I’ll never meet your expectations,” yet clings to the hope that the idealized version of them lives on in the other person’s mind.
• Personal Growth and Self-Sabotage: Lines like “I need to stop letting me down” reveal an internal battle. The song isn’t just about missing a former lover; it’s about recognizing personal shortcomings, the pain of unstable lifestyles (“waking up in different spaces”), and trying to become a better person even when it feels too late.

Musical Style and Production

Sonically, “High” leans heavily into a nostalgic, Beatles-esque pop-rock sensibility. Driven by gentle instrumentation and soft harmonies, the track contrasts its melancholic lyrics with a sweet, sweeping melody. By positioning “High” as the final track on CALM, the band deliberately closed the album on a bittersweet, reflective note—balancing a sonic high with a heavy, emotional low.

Ultimately, “High” captures the universal ache of wanting closure without conflict, wishing happiness upon someone who walked away, and hoping that no matter what time changes, you still cross their mind in a positive light.

5 Seconds Of Summer (5 SOS) – High Lyric Video

This lyric video provides the exact audio and visual experience to help you follow along with the song’s delicate transitions and heartfelt lyrics.