Blink 182’s self-titled album is no longer carefree pop. That’s what they were known for with Enema of the State and Take off Your Pants and Jacket. However, I think his self-titled album will be remembered as one of the great breakup song collections of its time and one of the melodies that supports that idea is “Always”.

Like most of the tunes on Blink 182’s serious album, “Always” is based on the discomfort of fading relationships. There is no more anger and witty puns like before at Dude Ranch or Enema of the State, but more a familiar sadness that most teens can relate to. Those familiar emotions are probably the ones behind Blink 182’s gigantic fanbase around the world.

From the beginning of “Always”, Tom Delonge sings “I have been here before a couple of times and I am aware that we are dying.” This line identifies the speaker as a realist in a distressed relationship. Whoever it is that establishes Blink 182, they know things aren’t going well.

Delonge ends the first verse of “Always” with “So here I am. I’m trying. So here I am. Are you ready?” Obviously, the speaker doesn’t want to end the relationship, but “Are you ready?” It almost makes me think that the couple might not feel the same reparable emotions about their current situation. Sometimes I wonder how realistic the lyrics on Blink 182 are.

The rest of the song basically plays the same theme over and over again about wanting to repair a relationship that is doomed to continue. Blink 182 says “I’ll admit I’m wrong if you tell me” which is a refreshing line to use. I say this because it is actually shedding some light on the inability of a stereotypical man to talk about communication problems. There you go guys. Listening to Blink 182’s “Always” can save your relationship.

It’s not enough that “Always” is a great song to listen to, but Blink 182 creates one of the most original music videos I’ve ever seen. If anyone has seen a similar video where the screen is cut into multiple sections playing the same scene, please let me know. I’m sure it’s cool too.

Just seeing Hoppus, Delonge, and Barker stumble upon alternate limbs and gestures is great as none of Blink 182 gets the same reaction from the lead actress in “Always.” And as much as I’ve seen it, when Travis Barker pokes his head out from under the bed, I laugh a little.

“Always” has such a smooth and flowing feel, similar to any other Blink 182 song. They do a great job adding more subtleties to the song as time progresses to increase the interest in the listener. If you have been paying attention to the last chorus of the song, you will notice that there is a ghost keyboard player. Clean, huh?

So this is another heartwarming tune from Blink 182 that speaks once again to America’s troubled youth. This repetition of similar lyrical content may seem redundant at times, but it is what it sells, and it personally keeps me loving the band. “Always” is a simple melody with a strong meaning, a great video, and engaging melodies. They have done it again.