NOT OK

5 Seconds of Summer

Lyrics

[Verse] Inside every one of us, a shadow side I call it my better side I call it the call-me-up-if-you-wanna-feel-better side I'll put on my suit and tie to emphasize You and I together, double homicide Let's ride
[Verse] Alright, are you my little genie or a parasite? Girl, you keep the dream alive Why you got me stayin' crazy hours after closin' time? Lucifer in every line, every night You and I together, we should take a bite Let's ride
[Pre-Chorus] I wanna dip my toe into the fire Where did the good boy go? Killed by desire On the edge You make me wanna jump, jump, jump, jump, jump, jump, jump, jump
[Chorus] Hey, I'm not okay I like the darker side of me, that part of me Comes out to play when I'm with you, you (Bite, bite, bite) Bite the apple, baby Hey, I'm not okay It's like a hammer to the brain, all my insane Comes out to play when I'm with you, you (Bite, bite, bite) Bite the apple, baby
[Verse] Oh my god, I feel invincible And when the sun comes up, I feel despicable And when my heart slows down, will you pick me up? But we can pause for now, I think I said enough, uh
[Pre-Chorus] I wanna dip my toe into the fire Where did the good boy go? Killed by desire On the edge You make me wanna jump, jump, jump, jump, jump, jump, jump, jump
[Chorus] Hey, I'm not okay I like the darker side of me, that part of me Comes out to play when I'm with you, you (Bite, bite, bite) Bite the apple, baby Hey, I'm not okay It's like a hammer to the brain, all my insane Comes out to play when I'm with you, you (Bite, bite, bite) Bite the apple, baby
[Interlude] Hey, give me a sip of it It's 1 in the morning Got these wheels rolling It's 4 in the morning All over the city And I said I loved you, but I didn't really mean it I, I don't think, but Anyways, turn it up Hey, hey, hey, hey
[Chorus] Hey, I'm not okay I like the darker side of me, that part of me Comes out to play when I'm with you, you (Bite, bite, bite) Bite the apple, baby Hey, I'm not okay It's like a hammer to the brain All my insane Comes out to play when I'm with you, you (Bite, bite, bite) Bite the apple, baby
[Outro] Oh my god, I feel invincible

About the Song

"NOT OK" is a compelling track by Australian pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, featured on their EP EVERYONE'S A STAR!. The song delves into themes of self-destruction and the allure of a "shadow side" that comes out in intense relationships. It captures the band's signature energy while exploring darker lyrical territory.

Produced by hitmakers John Ryan and Julian Bunetta, the track combines driving rhythms with catchy, anthemic hooks. It stands out in their discography as a raw confession of internal conflict, resonating with listeners who understand the turbulence of chaotic emotions.

Meaning & Analysis

Lyrically, "NOT OK" is an honest admission of improved behavior masking deeper chaos. The narrator admits to having a "better side" they show to the world, but underneath lies a "shadow side" that is only triggered by a specific person.

  • The Shadow Self: The lyrics "Inside every one of us, a shadow side" suggest that everyone has hidden desires or a darker nature that society forces them to suppress.
  • Toxic Attraction: Phrases like "double homicide" and "killed by desire" paint the relationship as dangerous yet irresistible, a mutual destruction that feels like a thrill.
  • Emotional Conflict: The chorus "Hey, I'm not okay" is a direct confession of instability, acknowledging that this "darker side" takes over ("comes out to play") when they are with their partner.

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