Tove Lo’s “Timebomb” Lyrics Meaning
Tove Lo’s “Timebomb” delves into the doubts experienced by most individuals when they are first making a commitment to love or be romantically involved with someone. Here, the singer creates the perfect scene where she meets a guy, possibly in a queue while trying to pay for her stuff in a mall of some sort. She is initially annoyed by his action of jumping the queue but realizes that she is physically attracted to him and is torn between deciding if he’s the best fit for her.
The singer makes the circumstance of their meeting clear in the first verse; however, it is uncertain what exactly she has fallen in love with about this person. Since she implies in the 7th line that she’s making a spontaneous decision to be with him, we can deduce that this is a one-night stand, which leads into the pre-chorus where the singer emphasizes on her doubts. She repeatedly states that they’re not forever, either in a quest to convince herself that she should not commit to being with him. Or that their so-called love is not going to last thus they should put an end to it immediately before any harm is done.
The Relationship is a “Time Bomb”
She likens their relationship to a time bomb, because it is susceptible to ending abruptly. Although it seems to be passionate and exhilarating, she believes it is going to be short-lived. She believes it would probably result in a breakup that will leave them both hurt, just like a bomb explosion. The writer may be insisting on this because she believes their bond is based on mere physical attraction, while they are simply incompatible.
It also appears that there may be other barriers that account for her seeing a relationship with the guy as impossible. These barriers could be anything from age difference, race, religion, political belief, or personality, of which she may not want to be associated with and is reason enough for her to conclude that their relationship can only last for a night.
Ultimately, it is clear that the singer has mixed feelings about her decision to be with this person and perceives that it might not yield the best results in future. She carefully considers both sides of her decision whether to risk it all and give this affair a chance to thrive or to play safe and let go to avoid future regrets.
Tove Lo talks about Inspiration behind “Timebomb”
Tove Lo, who was discussing the inspiration behind the song with Untitled Magazine, explained that “Timebomb” was very personal to her. She explained that it was mainly seeking to idealize one-night stands and short-term affairs. It also talks about how the first-times are often the most intriguing parts of every relationship, after which a person begins questioning if they should continue being committed to this same person.
She also revealed to MTV News that the song describes the moment when you meet a person you wish to be with, and are caught up deliberating on whether they are right for you, then you end up making an impulsive decision to be with them despite the consequences.
Writing Credits for “Timebomb”
Lo penned this song with two other Swedish songwriters. They are in the persons of ALexander Kronlund and Klas Åhlund. The latter went also took charge of the production of “Timebomb”.
In addition to co-writing and producing “Timebomb”, Klas also handled the track’s programming. Furthermore, he played every single instrument heard on the track.
Release Date of “Timebomb”
Tove Lo’s team first released this tune in September of 2014. It was later officially released again on August 12, 2015. This time it came out as the official third single from Lo’s maiden album entitled “Queen of the Clouds”.
The album in question produced four singles (including “Talking Body“).
Summary
If we were asked to describe “Timebomb” in one word, it would be “lust”. Yes! This song centers more on lust than true love. It’s about the lust that one experiences upon meeting/seeing someone one is attracted to. The sensual desire for that person is so strong that one doesn’t care about the ramifications that follow. All one wants at that moment is to recklessly satisfy one’s desire for intimacy with that person. But behaving in such a reckless manner is tantamount to a time bomb!
