The Meaning Behind The Song: The Good Side by Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan, a South African-born Australian singer, songwriter, and actor, gained popularity through his LGBTQ+ themed music, which garnered him a large fan base. His songs tackle various themes, including love, heartbreak, acceptance, and self-discovery. One of his popular tracks, “The Good Side,” which was released in January 2018, is a song that has resonated with many fans since its debut. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song and how it relates to Sivan’s personal life.

Background of the Song

“The Good Side” was released as a single on January 19, 2018, marking the first release since Sivan’s 2015 debut album, “Blue Neighbourhood.” The song was written by Sivan, Leland, and Allie X, and produced by Ariel Rechtshaid. It’s a soft and emotional ballad, with acoustic guitar strums and subdued synths, in which Sivan sings about giving his ex-boyfriend the “good side” of their break-up.

According to Sivan, the song was inspired by his personal experiences. In a tweet, he explained that the song was about “relationships that have run their course, and how you both agree that it’s time to say goodbye.” He also stated that the song is “about the good side of that, and about being optimistic about the future.”

Lyrics Analysis

The song opens with Sivan reminiscing about his relationship with his ex-boyfriend (“I got the good side of things / Left you with both of the rings / My fingers danced and swayed in the breeze” ) and admitting that their relationship has run its course (“The change in the winds got me thinking”). He then tries to see the positive side of their separation, saying that he’s happy his ex-boyfriend is living his life (“Feeling alive with my feet up / Had to kiss goodbye to my ego / But the pain and the truth, like the night / Will always fall / Worthwhile / When you got the good side of life”).

The chorus is uplifting and optimistic, with Sivan singing about moving forward and learning from the break-up:

“I’m sure we’ll meet in the spring

And catch up on everything

I’ll say I’m proud of all that you’ve done

You taught me the ropes, and you taught me to love”

The second verse is more introspective, with Sivan acknowledging that he made mistakes in the relationship (“Sometimes I’m not sober / You bring me closer to closure”), but he’s ready to move on and learn from them (“This end-of-year toast, I’m hoping it’s true”). The song ends with Sivan wishing his ex-boyfriend well and hoping they can remain friends (“I hope you got your dreams / Just know that I’m still here”).

Meaning Behind the Song

“The Good Side” is a breakup song about finding the positive side of a bad situation. Sivan said in an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 that the song is about “seeing things for what they are and not for what you want them to be,” explaining that he wrote it as a way to cope with his own past relationship.

Sivan told Lowe, “I think when it’s your first love or when it’s a really big relationship, you wanna hold on to everything that was good about it, especially if it was a long one. I think it’s important to remember that it’s not all sad, it’s not all heartbreak and longing, but sometimes you had the good side of things.”

The song emphasizes accepting the end of a relationship and moving forward. In an interview with Noisey, Sivan said that he wanted to write a song that showed “what it can look like when everything is wrapped up nice and tidy and you’re happy for the person and you’re happy for yourself.” The chorus represents a positive outlook on the future, while also acknowledging that it’s okay to feel sad and miss the person.

Overall, “The Good Side” is a song about finding closure and accepting the end of a relationship. It reflects Sivan’s personal experiences and is a reminder that, even in difficult situations, there’s always a positive side to be found.

FAQs

What inspired Troye Sivan to write “The Good Side”?

Sivan has shared that “The Good Side” was inspired by his personal experiences in a past relationship. He said in an interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 that the song is about seeing things for what they are and not for what you want them to be and is a reminder that, even in difficult situations, there’s always a positive side to be found.

Who produced “The Good Side”?

“The Good Side” was produced by Ariel Rechtshaid, an American record producer and songwriter who has worked with several popular artists, including Madonna, Beyoncé, and Adele.

What does the chorus of “The Good Side” mean?

The chorus of “The Good Side” represents a positive outlook on the future while acknowledging that it’s okay to feel sad and miss the person. Sivan sings, “I’m sure we’ll meet in the spring / And catch up on everything / I’ll say I’m proud of all that you’ve done / You taught me the ropes, and you taught me to love.”

What message does “The Good Side” carry?

The overall message of “The Good Side” is about finding closure and accepting the end of a relationship. It reflects Sivan’s personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of seeing things for what they are, not what we want them to be. The song encourages listeners to find the positive side of difficult situations and move forward.

What genre of music is “The Good Side”?

“The Good Side” is a soft and emotional ballad, with acoustic guitar strums and subdued synths.

What are some other popular songs by Troye Sivan?

Troye Sivan has released several popular songs, including “Youth,” “Wild,” “My My My!,” and “Dance to This.” His debut album, “Blue Neighbourhood,” also includes fan-favorites like “Talk Me Down” and “Fools.”

What is the meaning behind the album title “Blue Neighbourhood”?

The album title “Blue Neighbourhood” represents the suburban neighborhood where Sivan grew up in Perth, Western Australia. Sivan has said that the songs on the album are loosely inspired by his experiences growing up in this neighborhood.

What is Troye Sivan’s background?

Troye Sivan was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Perth, Western Australia. He gained popularity through his YouTube channel, where he posted music covers and vlogs, and eventually pursued a career in music and acting.

What is Troye Sivan’s sexuality?

Troye Sivan identifies as gay and is known for his LGBTQ+ themed music.

What awards has Troye Sivan won?

Troye Sivan has been nominated for several awards and has won several, including three MTV Europe Music Awards, two GLAAD Media Awards, and a Billboard Music Award. He was also named one of Time Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens in 2014 and 2015.

Is Troye Sivan involved in any activism or charity work?

Troye Sivan is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and is involved with several organizations that support the community, including The Trevor Project and GLAAD. He has also worked with organizations like Red Cross and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

What’s next for Troye Sivan?

Troye Sivan is continuing to make music and has released several singles in 2020, including “Take Yourself Home” and “Easy.” He has also been working on new music and has hinted at a new album release in the near future.