Review & Breakdown of Dean Lewis’ New Single “I Hate That It’s True”

Dean Lewis has once again delivered an emotionally charged ballad with his new single, “I Hate That It’s True“. Known for his heart-on-sleeve lyricism and raw vulnerability, Lewis perfectly captures the complex emotions of holding onto love despite the pain it brings. This track is a powerful testament to how love can linger long after it’s gone, leaving an indelible mark on the heart.

Verse 1: A Feeling of Longing and Confusion

The song opens with an intimate description of lingering emotions:
“I’m still wrapped up in your skin and bones
Yeah, you feel like home
It’s funny how your fire burns, but I’m still cold
How the hell you so cold?”

These lines reveal a paradox of love—being emotionally entangled with someone who, paradoxically, feels both comforting and yet distant. The phrase “you feel like home” suggests deep affection, but the line “how the hell you so cold?” introduces the emotional disconnect. There’s a sense of confusion about why love still exists despite the person’s emotional distance, setting the tone for the rest of the song.

Pre-Chorus: The Struggle of Letting Go

The pre-chorus introduces the internal conflict of wanting to move on but feeling trapped:
“‘Cause I can’t let go, I can’t give you up
‘Cause every time I do I feel you in my guts.”

This line speaks to the difficulty of severing ties with someone you’ve been deeply connected to. The metaphor of feeling someone “in my guts” illustrates the visceral and overwhelming nature of emotional attachment—it’s not just a feeling in the mind, but something that physically affects you.

Chorus: Love’s Lingering Pain

The chorus delves deep into the core theme of the song—being in love with someone who has caused you pain:
“‘Cause I’m still in love
With every single part of you
Even that part of you
That ripped out my heart
In a way that no one else could do
But I’m glad it was you, woah-oh.”

Here, Dean Lewis speaks to the duality of love—he’s still in love with this person, even the parts that hurt him. The line “even that part of you that ripped out my heart” evokes a sense of masochistic attachment; despite the hurt, there’s an acknowledgment that this love was unique and powerful.

In the next line, “But I’m glad it was you,” he paradoxically expresses gratitude for the experience, no matter how painful, which speaks to the depth of the relationship. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet realization that despite the pain, the love was worth it in some way.

The chorus continues with the confession that trying to move on isn’t easy, especially when the people around him (his friends) think it’s for the best:
“I drink with all my friends
They say it’s for the best
It’s only fucking with my head.”

This line highlights the disconnect between what others believe is best and how the protagonist feels inside. His friends’ advice is well-meaning, but it doesn’t alleviate his inner turmoil.

Verse 2: Attempting to Move On, But to No Avail

In the second verse, Dean Lewis tries to find solace, but nothing works:
“There’s no drug to get you off my mind
And I’ve tried every kind.”

This is a powerful image of addiction, not to a substance, but to a person. The idea of trying “every kind” of drug shows how deeply he’s trying to numb the pain, but none of it works. It’s clear that no matter what he does, the person he’s in love with remains a fixture in his thoughts.

He recalls the carefree days when they would stay up late, sharing moments together:
“Take me back to when we’d stay up all night
Drinking our favourite wine.”

This flashback represents the idealized version of the relationship, showing how the protagonist wishes he could return to a simpler, happier time. It deepens the sense of longing and nostalgia that permeates the track.

Bridge & Outro: Acceptance of the Inevitable

The bridge and outro reinforce the central message of the song—the emotional acceptance that, despite all the pain and attempts to move on, he is still in love:
“Oh, I hate that it’s true
I’m still in love with you.”

The repetition of this line adds to the song’s emotional intensity, showcasing the protagonist’s unwillingness to let go of something that was once beautiful but is now painful.

Thematic Breakdown:

“I Hate That It’s True” is a song that taps into the complexities of love and heartbreak. Lewis presents a raw, unfiltered portrayal of how love can linger, even when it’s no longer healthy. The song plays with the tension between wanting to move on and being unable to—caught in a cycle of affection that remains despite the hurt it causes.

The track also deals with themes of regret, nostalgia, and self-reflection. The narrator isn’t just hurting from the breakup; he’s also caught in the paradox of still being emotionally attached, even though he knows it’s not good for him.

Musical Composition:

Musically, “I Hate That It’s True” follows Dean Lewis’ signature style—an emotionally-driven, acoustic-pop ballad with a minimalist arrangement that lets the lyrics take center stage. The song builds gradually, with Lewis’ vocals carrying the weight of the song’s themes of loss and emotional conflict. The minimal instrumentation adds to the intimate feel of the track, allowing the listener to focus on the raw emotion conveyed through the lyrics.

Final Thoughts:

Dean Lewis has once again proven his ability to craft heart-wrenching ballads that resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level. “I Hate That It’s True” is a beautiful yet painful exploration of love’s complexities and the struggle to let go. The song strikes a balance between vulnerability, emotional honesty, and catharsis. If you’re a fan of poignant, reflective songwriting, this track will undoubtedly resonate with you.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A stunning ballad that showcases Dean Lewis’ gift for capturing the complexities of love and heartbreak.

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