SONG MEANING
NIKI, the Indonesian singer-songwriter known for her evocative lyrics and soulful vocals, captures hearts yet again with her song Backburner. Released as part of her critically acclaimed album Nicole, this track dives deep into the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love and the struggles of moving on from a past relationship.
At its core, Backburner is a reflection on being relegated to someone’s emotional backseat—hence the term “backburner.” It’s the feeling of being kept around but never prioritized. NIKI paints this emotional landscape with piercing vulnerability, using her voice to convey the ache of holding on to someone who no longer holds the same space for you.
The song’s haunting opening sets the tone with its soft piano melody, immediately immersing listeners in its somber vibe. As the lyrics unfold, NIKI recounts memories and feelings that are both nostalgic and painful. Lines like “I’ll always be second best, your favorite regret” reveal the inner conflict of yearning for someone while knowing they don’t fully reciprocate.
Fans resonate deeply with the song, as it speaks to universal experiences of love and loss. NIKI has shared in interviews that Backburner was inspired by personal experiences from her younger years, making it one of her most personal songs to date. This authenticity shines through every note, striking a chord with anyone who has ever struggled to let go of someone they once loved.
Ultimately, Backburner isn’t just about heartbreak—it’s about self-realization. While the song captures the pain of staying in someone’s shadow, it also hints at the importance of recognizing one’s worth and stepping away to prioritize self-love. With Backburner, NIKI proves yet again why she’s a voice for a generation navigating the highs and lows of love.
Backburner Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I can’t lie, it feels nice that you’re calling
You sound sad and alone, and you’re stalling
And for once, I don’t care about what you want
As long as we keep talking (As long as we’re talking)
I mean, you gotta admit the history’s kind of unmatched
Asian Calvinism, we made it out of that
Well, whether we’re free of will or predestined
Clearly, I’ve not learned my lesson even now
Hope He doesn’t strike me down (Strike me down)
[Pre-Chorus]
The Goo Goo Dolls are dead to me
The way you should bе, too
But you bring them up
Along with how much I fucking miss you
[Chorus]
Maybe I’m just not bettеr than this, I haven’t tried
Maybe life’s less romantic when I don’t wanna die
You’d think I’d be a fast learner
But guess I won’t ever mind crisping up on your backburner
[Post-Chorus]
Backburner
Your backburner
Your backburner
Your backburner
[Verse 2]
It’s pathetic, but at least you are, too
I don’t know what to do
I don’t like anyone except sometimes you
And now you’re sounding like a hurt puppy
You look ugly when you cry
But I’m the one you think to call
How do you feel lucky and appalled at the same time?
After everything you put me through
I somehow still believe in you, oh-oh
[Pre-Chorus 2]
But I know in a week or so
You’ll fade away again
And I wish that I cared
Hey, are you still there?
Good
[Chorus 2]
Maybe I’m just not better than this, I haven’t tried
‘Cause maybe you’ll finally choose me after you’ve had more time
I thought I was a fast learner
But guess I won’t ever mind, guess I won’t ever mind
Maybe I blame my mother bleeding into my stride
Maybe it was my father and his wandering eyes
(It’s their fault that) I’ll always be in your corner
‘Cause I don’t feel alive ’til I’m burnin’ on your backburner, oh-oh (Backburner, your backburner)
[Outro]
Oh, and I know that it’s sad that I settle for the backburner, oh-oh
(Your backburner, your backburner)
(Your backburner, your backburner)
Oh, guess I won’t ever mind crisping up on your backburner, oh-oh
(Your backburner, your backburner)
(Backburner, your backburner)
Oh, as long as you still think of me, oh, oh-oh
(Backburner, backburner)
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