The song "How To Stay With You" by Troye Sivan delves into the complexities of relationships and the struggles of maintaining a connection with someone despite internal conflicts and uncertainties. Here is a breakdown of key lyrics and their meanings:

In the first verse, the speaker expresses a sense of longing and distance, metaphorically representing it by cutting down their garden with no flowers, symbolizing the lack of growth or blossoming in the relationship. The idea of setting up shop together and the reference to the speaker's brother and mother hint at the conflicting emotions and desires they are grappling with.

The pre-chorus reflects the internal turmoil and indecision the speaker faces, wishing for the relationship to provide clarity and direction. The visions and impairing decisions suggest a sense of confusion and doubt in their feelings.

The chorus encapsulates the central theme of feeling lost and conflicted in the relationship. The speaker acknowledges their shortcomings and struggles to find a way to stay connected with their partner despite feeling overwhelmed and out of sync.

In the second verse, the speaker recalls past experiences and tries to remember how to draw their partner closer, highlighting the passage of time and the challenges of maintaining intimacy. The mention of the mother's hypothetical approval adds another layer of complexity to the relationship dynamics.

The outro reflects a sense of disillusionment and resignation, as the speaker acknowledges the internal conflict and the challenges of starting over despite achieving what they thought they wanted. The feeling of despondency at the end underscores the emotional weight and uncertainty that pervades the relationship.

Overall, the song explores themes of longing, confusion, and emotional turmoil in relationships. The speaker grapples with conflicting emotions and desires, struggling to find a sense of belonging and connection while navigating their own internal conflicts. The song's poignant lyrics and introspective tone convey a sense of vulnerability and authenticity in depicting the complexities of love and relationships.