Post Malone – Circles: A Song About the Patterns of Love and Letting Go
Released in 2019 as part of Post Malone’s album Hollywood’s Bleeding, “Circles” quickly became one of his biggest hits, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning praise for its timeless, melodic sound. Unlike many of his hip hop–leaning tracks, “Circles” leans into a softer, almost folk-rock style with gentle guitar chords and a laid-back rhythm. But beneath its breezy sound lies a deeper story—one that many older listeners will recognize: the exhausting cycles of love that keep repeating until, eventually, something has to change.
The lyrics tell of a relationship stuck in a loop. Both people care, but they keep returning to the same fights, the same disappointments, and the same endings. “Seasons change, and our love went cold,” Malone sings, acknowledging the painful truth that time often reveals cracks that passion alone cannot fix. The phrase “running in circles” becomes both a confession and a lament—a recognition that love, when caught in unhealthy patterns, can drain more than it gives.
For older listeners, “Circles” resonates because it mirrors real life. Many have experienced relationships that seemed to repeat themselves—whether in marriages where the same arguments return again and again, or in romances that always end in the same heartbreak. The song doesn’t lash out in anger; instead, it carries a tone of weary acceptance, the kind that comes only after years of trying to make something work.
What makes “Circles” particularly powerful is its blend of melancholy and beauty. Post Malone’s voice is both vulnerable and steady, carrying the ache of loss but also the relief of clarity. The light, almost dreamy arrangement contrasts with the heavy subject matter, reminding us that endings don’t always come with explosions—sometimes they come quietly, with the slow realization that love has run its course.
For older fans, the song offers more than just nostalgia—it offers perspective. It reminds us that life is full of cycles, and that breaking free from the ones that no longer serve us can be an act of courage, not failure. The bittersweet tone may stir memories of past relationships, but it also affirms the wisdom that comes with age: sometimes the healthiest choice is letting go.
That’s why “Circles” remains one of Post Malone’s most beloved songs. It bridges genres, speaks across generations, and captures a universal truth—that love, like the seasons, changes, and that moving forward often means stepping out of the circle.
