Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened?. Lyrics Meaning: The Glorious Chaos of Letting Go
Ever wake up after a night out, with glitter in places it shouldn’t be, a phone full of questionable photos, and the only thought running through your head is, “…what just happened?” It’s that hazy, slightly confusing, but weirdly exhilarating feeling of a night that completely went off the rails. It’s a moment of pure, unfiltered chaos that breaks the monotony of everyday life. Well, if you’ve ever felt that, there’s a song that perfectly bottles that lightning. This track isn’t just about a wild party; it’s a deeper look into the beautiful mess of completely and utterly letting go.
The Morning After: Unpacking Remember Monday’s “What The Hell Just Happened?”
The song kicks off with a scene that’s almost comically relatable. Remember Monday paints a picture of the immediate aftermath of a wild night, and they don’t hold back. It’s less about glamour and more about the raw, messy reality.
I’m still in last night’s make up
I’m wakin’ up like, “What’s this new tattoo?”
Right away, you’re thrown into the scene. A lost shoe, smeared makeup, and a surprise tattoo? It’s the trifecta of a memorable (or, rather, unmemorable) night. This isn’t a story of regret, though. There’s no shame here. Instead, it sets a tone of bewildered amusement. The room is spinning, ears are ringing, and the gut reaction isn’t panic, but a simple, honest question that becomes the song’s explosive chorus:
What the hell just happened?
What the hell just happened?
No clue, but l liked it
And that’s the magic right there! That final line, “No clue, but I liked it,” is everything. It transforms the song from a tale of a messy night out into an anthem of embracing the unknown and finding joy in the chaos. It’s about the experience, not the explanation.
From Chandeliers to Swimming Pools: A Chronicle of Catharsis
As the song barrels forward, the details of the night get even more specific and theatrical. We’re not just talking about a few too many drinks; we’re talking about full-blown, movie-scene-level antics. It’s a highlight reel of impulsive decisions.
Broke a heel, lost my keys, scraped my knee
What a night, I don’t mind, it was time
To unwind and I volunteered
Falling from a chandelier? A bit extra, but we love the drama! The key here is the self-awareness. She knows it was a lot, but she says, “I don’t mind, it was time to unwind.” This wasn’t an accident; it was a choice. It was a conscious decision to let loose. The song cleverly contrasts this wild behavior with her usual self, someone who likes to “keep it clean, beauty sleep, sip my tea.” This isn’t her norm, which makes this night of rebellion even more significant. It’s a deliberate break from her own routine.
The ‘Why’ Behind the Wildness
So, what fuels this need for such an epic release? The third verse gives us the answer, and it’s the emotional core of the whole song. This isn’t just partying for the sake of it. There’s a reason for the recklessness, and it’s something many of us can understand all too well.
Ripped my dress, called my ex, I confess
I’m obsessed, not the best idea, woo
I’m a mess, it’s a trend, in my defence
It’s been a real hard year
Boom. There it is. “It’s been a real hard year.” Suddenly, everything clicks into place. The ripped dress, the ill-advised call to an ex, the entire chaotic spiral—it’s all a reaction to a build-up of stress, heartbreak, and exhaustion. It’s a pressure valve being released. The song acknowledges the messiness (“I’m a mess, it’s a trend”), but it does so with a playful shrug, not an apology. This is where the pre-chorus’s chant of “Freedom” becomes so powerful. It’s about breaking free from the weight of that “real hard year.”
(Freedom) I wanna shave my head, oh
(Freedom) I’ll paint the whole town red, oh
(Freedom) I wanna kiss a stranger
These aren’t just random impulses. Shaving your head, kissing a stranger—these are symbolic acts of reclaiming your identity and your body after a period of feeling powerless. It’s a visceral, unapologetic scream for liberation.
This song is a powerful reminder that sometimes, you need to let things get a little messy to feel clean again. It champions the idea of catharsis—the act of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. It tells us that it’s okay to have a moment, a night, or even a phase where you’re not polished or perfect, especially when you’re healing. The real moral here is finding joy and freedom in your own beautiful, chaotic journey of letting go.
Ultimately, “What The Hell Just Happened?” is a celebration of imperfection and resilience. It’s for anyone who’s ever navigated a tough time and needed to just scream, dance, and make some slightly questionable decisions to feel alive again. But that’s just my take on it. What do you hear in this song? Does it feel like a post-breakup anthem, or more of a general ‘I survived a tough year’ party track? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
