Moral of the Story by Ashe is a poignant reflection on the end of a relationship and the personal growth that comes from recognizing and accepting past mistakes. The song delves into the raw emotions experienced during and after a love gone wrong, encapsulating the stages of grief and the ultimate realization that painful experiences can lead to self-improvement and a better future.
Ashe begins the emotional journey of 'Moral of the Story' with a stark realization of never truly knowing her partner, which suggests a relationship built more on idealization than reality. This revelation evokes a sense of regret and illusion, hinting at how infatuation can sometimes blind us to the true nature of our relationships. The heavy admission of 'blindsided, addicted' implies an emotional turmoil and a dependency on the chaos that can thrive in toxic relationships. The cycle of conflict, reconciliation, and false happiness is both draining and destructive, yet addictively familiar, pushing one to mistake such highs and lows for genuine passion.
'But really I was foolish' and 'Hindsight, it’s obvious' reflect the retrospective wisdom gained after the relationship has ended. These lines signal a transition from delusion to enlightenment, emphasizing growth through difficult realizations. There's a powerful, bittersweet acceptance in understanding that the failure of the relationship was inevitable and necessary for personal development. This epiphany, although painful, is liberating, allowing Ashe to move forward with newfound clarity and strength.
As the chorus resonates with the message that 'Some mistakes get made', Ashe's tone shifts from despair to empowerment. The recurring affirmation 'That’s alright, that's okay' serves as a mantra for resilience and self-compassion. Here, the emotional journey embraces the universality of flawed love and the courage to acknowledge pain without being defeated by it. The resolve in 'In the end, it’s better for me' echoes the sentiment of survival and the embrace of lessons learned from heartbreak.
In the bridge, Ashe contends with the old adage that it's better to have loved and lost, calling into question the validity of this often-repeated cliché. Her frank declaration that such a sentiment could be 'a load of shit' introduces a moment of relatability and raw honesty that many listeners may find refreshing. This fleeting glimpse of bitterness humanizes the emotional journey, capturing the internal conflict between evolving past hurt and momentarily revelling in the injustice of it all.
"Some mistakes get made"
This line reflects the core message of the song, acknowledging that mistakes are a natural part of life and relationships, and that it can ultimately be better for us as they lead to personal growth.
"You can think that you’re in love When you're really just in pain"
A statement on the confusion between love and emotional suffering, suggesting that what one might perceive as love can sometimes be a response to the hurt they are experiencing.
"In the end, it’s better for me"
This represents the conclusion drawn from a difficult experience; a silver lining that indicates positive self-evolution has come from the pain.
"I think it’s better to have loved and lost. Well also, is it?"
Here, Ashe questions the conventional wisdom of enduring love being a worthwhile experience regardless of the outcome, revealing her skepticism and the complexity of her feelings.