Meaning of “Boom” by X Ambassadors

“Boom” is a song based on the singer, X Ambassadors’ frontman Sam Harris, forsaking a toxic relationship. The “boom, boom, boom” that is repeated throughout the track is supposed to represent the sound his feet are making as he speedily walks away from the person who is causing him heartache.

Indeed instead of lamenting over a lost relationship, the X Ambassadors are adopting a joyous attitude over parting ways with such a harmful person. Harris acknowledges that nothing has really changed except his attitude. And he sees no reason to wallow in anguish over losing a destructive friend. Rather the pain he has experienced throughout the relationship is what is giving him the strength to walk away so boldly. At this point in the game, what he desires more than anything is a change from the old. He is fed up with being mistreated and no longer feels the need to try to prove to the person he is leaving behind how much he cares.

While the general impression one may get from listening to “Boom” may lead them to believe the song is based on a romantic relationship, such is not the case.  Instead this song is meant to serve as an inspiration for listeners to cut off all toxic relationships in general. 

Indeed Sam Harris, who is also the primary writer of the track, acknowledges that this song was inspired by his own recent experiences of having to walk away from harmful unions. This track therefore serves as sort of his personal coping mechanism to deal with the pain he felt inside due to losing such close friends.