Often, Lately Lyrics – Dermot Kennedy

Meaning of ‘Often, Lately’ Lyrics Explained

Verse 1 Meaning:
He talks about being gentle with himself even though he knows he learns things late and often understands life after the moment has passed. He remembers a small, warm memory where sharing music created a quick but deep bond, showing how fast closeness can grow. Those moments feel far away now, yet they still bring comfort. He wants the person to stay a little longer, but he feels time pushing him forward. Inside, he is anxious about what he is losing and the love he did not protect enough. There is a strong sense of movement, like he is leaving emotionally or physically without a clear destination. He admits that the other person already knows he is drifting, even though he himself does not know where his path leads. It captures someone caught between holding on to the past and moving forward.

Pre-Chorus Meaning:
He feels haunted by the presence of this person, almost imagining their voice carried by the air around him. Everyday moments trigger emotional echoes that remind him of what they shared. Being with them once gave him a sense of worth and grounding. He misses that version of himself deeply, even though he struggles to admit how badly he wants it back.

Chorus Meaning:
He admits that thoughts of this person keep returning, especially during quiet moments. There is a strong hope of going back without being hurt or lost again. At the same time, fear sits heavy in him. He worries that when he finally returns, the person he longs for may no longer be there waiting.

Verse 2 Meaning:
He reflects on how unspoken thoughts slowly eat away at him, keeping him restless and unable to find peace. Emotional pain grows stronger when it is ignored, and he notices how negativity seems to thrive while happiness fades. The absence of the person he loves becomes proof of that imbalance. A short time away, especially in a meaningful place, reconnects him with faith and deeper reasons for living and striving. He touches the emotional roots behind ambition, love, and suffering. Letting emotions out brings temporary clarity, even if it blurs reality. These intense experiences can feel uplifting at first, but they also have the power to exhaust and break someone down after lifting them too high emotionally and spiritually drained.

Pre-Chorus Meaning:
He again senses this person in small details around him, as if nature itself is reminding him of them. Their presence once made him feel valued and secure. That feeling still lingers strongly. He longs to reclaim that emotional safety, even though admitting how much it matters feels uncomfortable and vulnerable inside.

Chorus Meaning:
He repeats how frequently this person occupies his thoughts, showing how the distance has not weakened his feelings. The idea of returning safely remains a powerful hope. Still, anxiety follows that hope closely. He fears the possibility that his emotional journey back may end in disappointment if the person he needs is gone.

Bridge Meaning:
He questions whether things would feel the same if he went back, or if time has changed them both too much. Memories blur into dreams, and he wonders if wanting to return is driven by pride rather than love. Once again, uncertainty takes over. The fear that he might be alone at the end of the road feels overwhelming.

Outro – Dublin version Meaning:
He reassures himself that these thoughts never really leave his mind, no matter how much time passes. There is patience here, a belief that what he hopes for has not arrived yet but still exists somewhere ahead. He continues searching for it, holding onto faith and direction. The idea of moving toward something higher gives him comfort, even while he waits and wonders when that dream will finally take shape in his heart and thoughts with quiet hope.

Outro – Amsterdam version Meaning:
He sounds more vulnerable here, openly waiting and admitting that the dream still has not been reached. Repetition shows emotional exhaustion and longing, like he is stuck in the same place while hoping for movement. The shared desire between two people feels unresolved, hanging in the air without answers. He remains emotionally tied to the other person, believing that something meaningful is still ahead. Waiting becomes both painful and hopeful. The idea of moving upward or forward gives him strength, even though uncertainty remains. This section reflects persistence, devotion, and the struggle of holding onto faith when fulfillment feels just out of reach despite time passing and silence continuing without clear signs or reassurance from the other side.