Memories — Maroon 5 Lyrics

The choruses in the song are based on Johann Pachelbel's famous "Canon in D," also known as "Pachelbel's Canon." This piece of Baroque music is often used at weddings in the United States to represent the end and beginning of a chapter in people's lives. When someone is gone, they feel lost and lonely, and they wish that the person would always be with them.

The song is a break-up song, expressing the desire for the singer to return because they miss him and all memories are fading away from them. The comma after the first "back" suggests that Levine is using the common lyrical tic of repeating phrases for emphasis or rhythm. Another possible interpretation is that the sum total of memories keeps the departed alive in our hearts.

The song could be about other moments in the singer's life, such as before he cheated on his wife or before the general public thought he was abnoxious. It could also be about other moments in his life, such as before he cheated on his wife or before the general public thought he was abnoxious.

Another line with different potential meanings could be that he will be able to see his friend in the next life or that when people lose someone close to them, they often call their number out of habit or deliberately to hear their voice on the outgoing message.

The song is a lyrical reference to another famous "sad" song, REM's "Everybody Hurts." It could also be a reference to P1nk's "Raise Your Glass," which is a power ballad in itself. The song emphasizes the importance of remembering the ones we lost and not forgetting those who are still here today.

The second verse mirrors the first, making an interesting contrast between the bitter, cold chill of December and the small, intimate ember of the heart. The heart contains sorrow, fondness, and joy, and it is said that everyone will experience sorrow because it is inevitable. However, one can push on ahead and still remember those times when they felt safe.

Song Details and Overview

• Featuring Artist(s): Maroon 5


• Producer(s): The Monsters & Strangerz, Adam Levine


• Composer(s): Adam Levine, Jon Bellion, Jacob Kasher, Michael Pollack, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Vincent Ford


• Release Date: September 20, 2019


• Musical Genre: Pop, Ballad


• Album: JORDI (Deluxe)


• Track #: 11


• Language(s): English


• Mood: Reflective, Nostalgic, Heartfelt

Exploring the Meaning of "Memories"

In "Memories," Maroon 5 delivers an emotional tribute to loved ones who have passed, blending the band's pop sensibility with poignant themes of remembrance and connection. The song’s structure borrows the harmonic sequence of Johann Pachelbel’s *Canon in D*, adding a timeless, classical element that amplifies its sense of nostalgia. The lyrics reminisce about past moments shared, celebrating memories while also acknowledging the pain of loss.

Adam Levine has noted that the song is for anyone who has experienced loss, saying it’s a tribute to all who have faced similar grief. The track’s simplicity makes it universally relatable, reaching listeners across diverse emotional experiences, where they can share in toasts "to the ones that we got" and to "the ones that we lost on the way."

Chorus

The chorus is the song’s anchor, using the refrain "here's to the ones" to capture both a celebration of life and an acknowledgment of loss. The lines suggest that memories, while bittersweet, hold immense power to connect us with those we've loved.

Verse 1

The first verse recalls a simpler time, a "time that I remember" before loss entered the picture. The imagery of "December" powerfully symbolizes the cold, empty feeling of absence, highlighting the gap that death leaves.

Pre-Chorus

The pre-chorus reinforces the universality of grief with lines like "everybody hurts sometimes," before encouraging a toast to resilience. This sentiment, paired with the gentle progression of the chords, gives the listener a sense of comfort and solidarity.

Verse 2

The second verse addresses a moment of deep vulnerability, as the speaker recalls a time when the weight of the world felt overwhelming. The phrase "my heart feel like an ember" shifts from sorrow to hope, suggesting the power of memories to bring light in the darkness.

Similar Songs

Many artists have explored themes of memory and loss in a way that resonates with "Memories." Here are a few songs that share similar emotions and messages:

• Ed Sheeran - Photograph: Embraces the importance of memories in times of separation and loss.


• Coldplay - Fix You: A song about healing and finding light during challenging times.


• Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life): A reflective look back on meaningful moments, combining nostalgia with acceptance.


• John Mayer - Stop This Train: A song reflecting on the inevitable passage of time and the memories we hold dear.


• The Script - If You Could See Me Now: Dedicated to loved ones who have passed, capturing the impact of memory on those left behind.

Chart Performance and Awards

Upon its release, "Memories" became a significant success for Maroon 5, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Top 40 chart. The track held a remarkable twenty-week run at #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and was named one of Billboard's Top 10 Songs of 2020. Its universal theme of loss and remembrance made it a chart-topping success and resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

Quotes

"This song is for anyone who has ever experienced loss. In other words, this song is for all of us."

- Adam Levine

"It’s very honest and vulnerable for Adam. That day when he was recording it, it really felt like something special."

- Jordan Johnson (of The Monsters & Strangerz)