Bebe Rexha’s hit single “Meant to Be” features American country band, Florida Georgia Line. The song lyrics meaning centers on the themes of destiny and discovering one’s real purpose in life. The words “meant to be” implies that the connection between the narrator and his or her spouse was determined by a higher authority or destiny.
The Inspiration for the Song
Tyler Hubbard, one of the song’s authors, and his pregnant wife, Hayley Stommel, had a chat that inspired the lyrics. During a writing session in Los Angeles, Hubbard informed Rexha that his wife had told him that “if it’s meant to be, it will be” and to quit stressing about producing a big song. This phrase inspired the song, which is about taking chances and following your heart even in difficult or uncertain circumstances.
Rexha said that she understood straight away that Hubbard’s wife’s comments would inspire the song. When she communicated her concept to the composing group, the song started to take form. From an interview with Rexha: It came to us in like 40 minutes. It came that’s usually like the telltale sign for me. It’s like when we write it really quick. But it wasn’t until the next morning when I listened to it with fresh ears, that I was like, oh, my gosh, we have something really special here. And I remember Tyler was flying out that day and I was like, we need to get back into the studio and finish this before you leave.
By tackling the assumption that life’s events are predestined and inevitable, the song “Meant to Be” urges listeners to take chances and follow their hearts, even in tough or uncertain circumstances.
Lyrical Themes
The chorus line implies that the love represented in the song is predestined and that the protagonists should not oppose or try against it. Throughout the song, imagery and metaphors are used to illustrate the characters’ interactions. The link, for example, has been likened to a vehicle journey in which the participants control the direction and speed but may not always be aware of their destination. Furthermore, the characters’ connection is portrayed to fit together like jigsaw puzzle pieces, implying that they are intended to be together. The song also discusses conquering challenges and not allowing fear to keep you back. Rexha portrays that the feelings in the relationship are too strong to ignore.
Personal Connection
According to Rexha, the fatalistic subject of “Meant to Be” was critical in assisting her in overcoming personal obstacles such as a breakup. The words comforted her because she knew that if things didn’t work out as she had hoped, it was probably because they weren’t meant to and that something better was definitely on the way.
Hubbard claimed “Meant to Be” to be a one-of-a-kind melody that fell from the skies. Its message of taking chances and following one’s heart is aimed to encourage and empower its listeners. Imagery and metaphors are used to make the song’s ideas more vivid and clear to the audience.
The song has been featured in various TV shows and series, like American Idol, Songland, So You Think You Can Dance, and The Voice.
Lyrics
Baby, lay on back and relax
Kick your pretty feet up on my dash
No need to go nowhere fast
Let’s enjoy right here where we at
Who knows where this road is supposed to lead
We got nothing but time
As long as you’re right here next to me
Everything’s gonna be alright
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, just let it be
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, just let it be
So, won’t you ride with me, ride with me?
See where this thing goes
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, if it’s meant to be
I don’t mean to be so uptight
But my heart’s been hurt a couple times
By a couple guys that didn’t treat me right
I ain’t gonna lie, ain’t gonna lie
‘Cause I’m tired of the fake love, show me what you’re made of
Boy, make me believe
Whoa, hold up, girl, don’t you know you’re beautiful?
And it’s easy to see
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, just let it be
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, just let it be
So, won’t you ride with me, ride with me?
See where this thing goes
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, if it’s meant to be
So, come on, ride with me, ride with me
See where this thing goes
So, come on, ride with me, ride with me
Baby, if it’s meant to be
Maybe we do
Maybe we don’t
Maybe we will
Maybe we won’t
But if it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, just let it be (sing it, Bebe)
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be (come on)
Baby, just let it be (let’s go)
So, won’t you ride with me, ride with me?
See where this thing goes
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, if it’s meant to be (yeah)
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, if it’s meant to be
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be
Baby, if it’s meant to be (mm)
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Bleta Bebe Rexha / David Arthur Garcia / Joshua O. Miller / Tyler Reed Hubbard
Meant to Be lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Capitol Christian Music Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
Listeners that enjoy this song about Desire may also enjoy the song Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
