Decoding “High”: The Meaning, Context, and Evolution of 5 Seconds of Summer’s Fan-Favorite Anthem
When 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) released their fourth studio album, CALM, in March 2020, fans were treated to a mature, synth-driven sonic evolution. Nestled within that tracklist was a deeply infectious, emotional song titled “High.”
Far from just another upbeat pop-rock track about a breakup, “High” struck a chord with the band’s global fanbase, known as the 5SOS Fam. But what is the actual meaning behind the song, and why does it remain a fan-favorite emotional anchor in their discography?
The Core Meaning: The Ego and Vulnerability of a Breakup
At its surface, “High” explores a classic post-breakup dilemma: the desperate need to know that your ex still misses you just as much as you miss them.
Written by the band members alongside core collaborators, the lyrics capture the toxic yet painfully human cycle of pride and longing after a relationship ends. Instead of taking the high road and wishing an ex well, the narrator admits to a selfish desire: they hope the other person is struggling to move on.
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