“Glimpse of Us” is a dark love song about relying on another person emotionally so that you can get over a breakup. It’s a melancholy song in the form of a piano ballad that rekindles fond memories of a loved one.

Verse 1

The songwriter/singer describes his significant other as his “biggest support” through difficult times. In the past, she would lift a burden from his shoulders. She understood his anguish, and he understood hers.

Joji also discusses the emotional impact of color theory in this verse. She used to “turn rain into a rainbow” alluding that she could make him feel better whenever he felt down and discouraged. The singer had a hard time breaking free of their codependent relationship on this perfect girl.

But now that he is in a relationship, he cannot stop thinking about how wonderful his girlfriend is. He enjoys working with his new partner. Sometimes he wishes he were still with his previous girl. Despite the best efforts of his partner, he still misses his previous partner.

Now he knows it is not healthy to romanticize a relationship to the point where you term it “perfect.” Having a sense of security with his new spouse is not necessarily indicative of a healthy relationship.

Pre-Chorus and Chorus

Joji’s mind wanders to other places when his ex-lover is out of reach, as indicated by the pre-chorus line, “when you’re out of sight, in my head.” He sings in the chorus that he can see a reflection of his ex-lover in his new partner’s eyes.

Despite the obvious sadness of his claim, he insists on maintaining it. Even though he claims to have moved on, he still hopes his new flame is the same person he once loved from his last relationship.

Second Verse Song Lyrics Meaning

The second verse opens with Joji seeing parallels between himself and his ex’s new flame. In particular, he is curious whether or not her present partner takes pleasure in her achievements and finds them humorous. Then he wonders if she knew what she was getting herself into.

He keeps trying to equate his emotions with what she must be feeling. The singer suggests that if his ex-girlfriend ever feels lonely, she needs to look into her new partner’s eyes to see a reflection of him there.

The Glimpse of Us Symbolism

The singer has undoubtedly stung his audience deeply. Joji’s lyrical focus in “Glimpse of Us” is on the process of moving on from a past relationship by engaging in activities that bring back pleasant memories of shared experiences.

This is a painful situation, and you should not rely on anyone else to help you overcome it. Even if many partnerships function this way, this is only wishful thinking. The significance of the ‘Glimpse of Us’ song is a person’s inability to cope with heartbreak.

Regarding the music video, Ross Scarano of billboard wrote: “The melancholy in the song, coupled with its unusually realistic video, offers you a kaleidoscope of destruction, uncivil behavior, and heartbreak.”

Additional Context

Following much anticipation on Instagram on June 6th, the official music video for Joji’s new song Glimpse of Us was released. The song has earned millions of listens since its release and was featured on the TV show Love Island.

Lyrics

She’d take the world off my shoulders
If it was ever hard to move
She’d turn the rain to a rainbow
When I was living in the blue
Why then, if she is so perfect
Do I still wish that it was you?
Perfect don’t mean that it’s working
So what can I do? (Ooh)

When you’re out of sight
In my mind

‘Cause sometimes I look in her eyes
And that’s where I find a glimpse of us
And I try to fall for her touch
But I’m thinking of the way it was
Said I’m fine and said I moved on
I’m only here passing time in her arms
Hoping I’ll find
A glimpse of us

Tell me he savors your glory
Does he laugh the way I did?
Is this a part of your story?
One that I had never lived
Maybe one day you’ll feel lonely
And in his eyes, you’ll get a glimpse
Maybe you’ll start slipping slowly
And find me again

When you’re out of sight
In my mind

‘Cause sometimes I look in her eyes
And that’s where I find a glimpse of us
And I try to fall for her touch
But I’m thinking of the way it was
Said I’m fine and said I moved on
I’m only here passing time in her arms
Hoping I’ll find
A glimpse of us

Ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh

‘Cause sometimes I look in her eyes
And that’s where I find a glimpse of us
And I try to fall for her touch
But I’m thinking of the way it was
Said I’m fine and said I moved on
I’m only here passing time in her arms
Hoping I’ll find
A glimpse of us

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Alexis Kesselman / Connor McDonough / George Miller / Joel Castillo / Riley McDonough

Glimpse of Us lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc

Listeners of R&B music, might also appreciate the song No More Drama by Mary J Blige

Editor’s Note: This article was first published October 17th, 2022 and last updated April 5th, 2023.