High 5SOS Meaning Explained: The Story Behind the Song

Decoding “High” by 5 Seconds of Summer: Meaning, Lyricism, and Vulnerability

When 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) released their fourth studio album, CALM, in 2020, it marked a mature shift in their sound, trading pop-punk energy for sophisticated, introspective pop-rock. Closing out the standard edition of the record is the track “High”—a deceptive, Beatles-esque ballad that packs an emotional punch.

On the surface, it’s a breakup song about an ex. But look closer, and “High” unfolds as a complex, self-aware psychological study of ego, regret, and personal growth.

The Core Wordplay: A Double Entendre

The narrative centerpiece of the track hinges on a clever linguistic twist in its most memorable line:

“I hope you think of me high / I hope you think of me highly.”

Lead singer Luke Hemmings has openly described the track as an “almost narcissistic note to yourself” wrapped in sweet, unassuming instrumentation. The double meaning splits the song into two distinct emotional tracks:

1. Literal/Nostalgic: Wishing that when an ex-partner remembers them, they think back fondly to the euphoric, carefree days when they were “high” together (whether on love, youth, or actual substances).
2. Ego-Driven: Wanting to maintain a high status in that person’s mind—hoping they are spoken of highly, even if things ended poorly and mutual friends are whispering otherwise (*”I know your friends all lie / I know your friends don’