High 5SOS Meaning: What the 5 Seconds of Summer Song Is About

Dissecting the Meaning of “High” by 5 Seconds of Summer

When Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) released their fourth studio album, CALM (2020), it closed with a track that immediately caught fans off guard. Titled simply “High,” the song stands out not because of explosive stadium-rock energy, but because of its devastating emotional vulnerability, bittersweet melody, and sharp lyricism.

Far from a standard, melodramatic breakup anthem, “High” explores the complex psychological aftermath of a failed relationship, ego, and the desperate hope of leaving a positive mark on someone who has moved on.

1. The Core Lyric: A Play on Words and Ego

At the heart of the track is its iconic, catchy chorus:

“I hope you think of me high / I hope you think of me highly / When you’re with someone else…”

Lead singer Luke Hemmings has described the track as having an “almost narcissistic note to yourself.” The line plays on a clever double meaning:

• “Think of me high”: This can imply reminiscing about the euphoric, cloud-nine moments you shared together—or literally thinking of them while under the influence or having a good time.
• “Think of me highly”: This shifts into a plea for respect and a good reputation. Even though the relationship ended and the narrator knows the ex’s friends likely talk trash about them (“I know your friends all lie / I know your friends don’t like me”), they still crave a favorable legacy in their former partner’s mind.

2. Coming to Terms with Flaws and Expectations

Throughout the song, Hemmings grapples with self-doubt and personal shortcomings. Lines like “I know I’ll never meet your expectations” paired with “the picture that you paint of me looks better in your mind” highlight a painful truth: the narrator knows they weren’t the perfect partner.

However, rather than aggressively trying to win the person back, there is a passive resignation. The narrator admits, “Today, I’ve called to tell you that I’m changing,” only to immediately realize that the other person probably doesn’t care to watch them grow. It captures that painfully realistic phase of heartbreak where you want to prove you’ve bettered yourself, but realize it’s too late.

3. Acceptance Over Bitterness

What makes “High” resonate so deeply with listeners is its nuance. It doesn’t paint the ex-partner as a villain, nor does it wallow entirely in self-pity. Instead, it sits in the uncomfortable gray area of maturity: acknowledging that a relationship brought out both great joy and deep insecurity, wishing the best for the other person even as they stand beside someone new.

By ending the CALM album with a track that fades out on such a vulnerable, bittersweet note, 5SOS proved their growth as songwriters—turning a quiet plea for validation into a timeless anthem for anyone who just wants to be remembered fondly.

5 Seconds Of Summer (5 SOS) – High (가사해석)

Listen to this lyric video to experience the gentle, emotional delivery and acoustic atmosphere that bring the poignant meaning of “High” to life.