Released: 2018
“The Last Of The Real Ones” by Fall Out Boy dives headfirst into the raw, turbulent waters of passionate, encompassing love that feels singular and unparalleled. The lyrics explore themes of devotion, idolization, and the intense connection felt towards someone perceived as utterly irreplaceable. It’s an anthem for those who have found someone that stands out from the rest, a beacon in the darkness, making everything else seem insignificant in comparison.
The song kicks off with a cosmic metaphor, describing the singer as “just an only child of the universe” until the pivotal moment they found this person. This imagery of being planets revolving around their sun encapsulates the gravitational pull and centrality of this person in the singer’s life. They then introduce a hint of vulnerability, questioning what lies beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect figure, symbolized by the phrase “Gold plated”. Despite the city’s need for this person, the singer states their own need as surpassing it, elevating their connection to a pedestal above all others.
Declaring the subject as “the last of a dying breed”, the chorus is a chant-like homage to the rarity and uniqueness of their bond. It suggests a deep desire to immortalize their names together, a sentiment echoed by the curiosity of whether their confessions reach the ears of a therapist, indicating the depth of the singer’s emotional investment. The repeated proclamation of finding “that ultra-kind of love you never walk away from” drives home the notion of an indelible, once-in-a-lifetime connection.
The second verse toys with the imagery of self-destruction and vulnerability, comparing the singer to a “collapsing star with tunnel vision” and a “screw that’s been tightened too many times”. Both metaphors illustrate an intense focus and fragility tied to their love, acknowledging a willingness to defend and protect it against any adversity. Despite a creeping sense of self-doubt, the assertion that they might be the only one for their beloved, true or not, showcases a blend of uncertainty and hope in their declaration of love.
As the song moves towards its bridge and final choruses, there’s an acceptance of an end—an “end of infinity”—yet it’s faced without fear because it’s shared with this unparalleled individual. The repetition of giving up on dreams in favor of this reality emphasizes a surrender to their emotions, trading in potential fantasies for the tangible ‘fear-draining’ presence of their love. This surrender is not seen as a loss but as a gain of something much more significant—a unique love that’s worth everything.
In essence, “The Last Of The Real Ones” is a powerhouse of emotive declarations, weaving between cosmic metaphors and grounded confessions. It’s an ode to those who have experienced a love so profound; it eclipses everything else, a reminder of the power of finding someone who makes you say, “You’re just the last of the real ones”. Fall Out Boy masterfully captures the intensity and all-consuming nature of this connection, setting it to a backdrop of dynamic, compelling music that ensures the message isn’t just heard—it’s felt.
