Blink 182’s self-titled album is no longer carefree pop. That’s why they were known with Enema of the State and Take off Your Pants and Jacket. However, I think their self-titled album will go down as one of the best breakup song collections of its time and one of the songs that supports that idea is “Always”.

Like most of the melodies on Blink 182’s serious album, the keys to “Always” are based on the awkwardness of fading relationships. There’s no more witty anger and puns like before in Dude Ranch or Enema of the State, but rather a familiar sadness that most teens can relate to. Those familiar emotions are probably what supports Blink 182’s gigantic fan base around the world.

From the beginning of “Always”, Tom Delonge sings “I’ve been here before a few times and I’m well aware that we’re dying.” This line identifies the speaker as a realist in a troubled relationship. Whoever it is, who sets up Blink 182, knows that things are not 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 partner might not feel the same repairable emotions about his current situation. Sometimes I wonder how real the Blink 182 lyrics 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 so” which is a refreshing line to use. I say this because it actually sheds some light on a stereotypical male’s inability to talk about communication issues. There you go guys. Listening to “Always” by Blink 182 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 cuts into multiple sections playing the same scene, please let me know. I’m sure that one is great too.

Just seeing Hoppus, Delonge, and Barker trip over alternate limbs and mannerisms 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, flowing feel, similar to any other Blink 182 song. They do a great job of adding more subtleties to the song as it progresses in time to heighten the listener’s interest. If you have paid attention to the last chorus of the song, you will notice that there is a ghost keyboard player. Ready, huh?

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