High 5SOS Meaning Explained: The Story Behind the Song

Decoding “High” by 5 Seconds of Summer: Vulnerability, Ego, and Bittersweet Closure

When Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) released their fourth studio album, CALM, in 2020, it marked a mature evolution in their sound. Among the tracklist, the closing song “High” quietly stole the spotlight.

Far from a standard, cookie-cutter breakup anthem, “High” is a complex emotional puzzle. It blends raw accountability with a touch of self-absorption, capturing the messy reality of wanting to leave a positive footprint on someone’s heart even after a relationship has fractured.

The Core Wordplay: A Double Meaning

At the heart of the track is a brilliantly clever and slightly self-indulgent lyric in the chorus:

“I hope you think of me high / I hope you think of me highly.”

Lead singer Luke Hemmings has noted that songwriting is inherently a selfish act, and this line epitomizes that sentiment. The word “high” operates on two distinct levels:

1. Literal/Recreational State: It nods back to the lines about “the mornings we were high”, referencing hazy, euphoric moments shared together when they were intoxicated or carefree. The narrator hopes that when the ex-partner finds themselves in a similar euphoric or altered state, their mind naturally drifts to him.
2. Evaluative Status (“Highly”): It’s a plea for a positive reputation. Even if things ended poorly, the narrator desperately wants to be thought of with respect, fondness, and high regard rather than resentment.

Facing Flaws and Unmet Expectations

What makes “High” resonate so deeply with fans is its brutal honesty regarding personal shortcomings. Instead of painting the former partner as the villain—a common trope in pop music—Hemmings turns the lens inward:

• Acknowledging Failure: Lines like “I know I’ll never meet your expectations” show a painful self-awareness. The narrator recognizes they couldn’t be the person the other needed them to be.
• The Illusion vs. Reality: The lyric, “The picture that you paint of me looks better in your mind,” highlights a heartbreaking disconnect. The narrator knows they fell short of the idealized version the partner initially imagined, yet there is a lingering desire to let that flattering illusion survive in the ex’s memory.

A Paradoxical Mix of Ego and Vulnerability

Frontman Luke Hemmings described the track as an “almost narcissistic note to yourself.” On the surface, asking someone to remember you fondly and keep you on a pedestal can sound self-centered.

However, the vulnerable delivery strips away any arrogant edge. The song is actually rooted in insecurity. The narrator is painfully aware of outside influences—acknowledging that “friends all lie” and “don’t like me” because they want the ex-partner for themselves. Pleading to be remembered well is a defense mechanism against being entirely erased or replaced.

Why “High” is the Ultimate Closer

By placing “High” as the final track on CALM, 5SOS crafted a fitting sonic and thematic period for the album. The record journeys through various stages of relationship turbulence, anxiety, and self-discovery.