English Translation | 2:12 AM

English Translation of “2:12 AM” by Rauw Alejandro (Feat. LATIN MAFIA)

Oh-oh, it’s 2:12, and I know
Yeah-Yeah-Yeah-Yeah, I’m here alone, waiting for you
Found a spot where no one will see us
As long as the party keeps going, we can indulge
This connection between my lips and your skin
Even if we explain it, they won’t understand

When I least expect it, you show up again
Girl, I try, but I can’t help it
When I least expect it, you show up again
I know you’re not mine, but I want to touch you

What happened was I fell in love
With the one I shouldn’t, what if we let them see us?
Problems will come, but what does it matter? (What does it matter?)
Was it the drinks, or was it winter?
We used the cold as an excuse to warm up our bodies

There were plenty of reasons why I left
Not a second goes by that I don’t think of you (Yes, I want you)
This connection between my lips and your skin
Even if we explain it, they won’t understand

Uh-uh-uh, uh-uh
Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh
Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh

I have you again, let’s love each other
A perfect world, let’s invent it, come on
Come and kiss my lips
The hours we have are so few (Uh-uh-uh)
Come and kiss my lips
Where your lips truly belong

I keep picturing you in those poses
Didn’t see her again after 2:12
I used the drama with your boyfriend as an excuse
Or was I scared of falling in love all over again?

There were plenty of reasons why I left
Not a second goes by that I don’t think of you (Yes, I want you)
This connection between my lips and your skin
Even if we explain it, they won’t understand (Understand, understand, -stand, -stand)

Uh-uh-uh
Uh-uh-uh-uh
Uh-uh-uh
When I least expect it, you show up again
Girl, I try, but I can’t help it
When I least expect it, you show up again
I know you’re not mine, but I want to touch you (Uh-uh)
Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh

Notes for English Learners

1. Time Reference:
   The title and frequent mention of “2:12 AM” capture a specific time to set the song’s mood and moment. Using specific times or settings often emphasizes emotions tied to memories.
2. Conditional Expressions:
   The line “What if we let them see us?” uses “what if” to express a hypothetical situation. This phrase helps learners understand how English conveys speculation or uncertainty.
3. Use of “Though” in Contrast:
   The line “Even if we explain it, they won’t understand” employs “even if” to show contrast between an action and its expected outcome, which is useful for conveying complex emotions or situations.
4. Double Meaning in Phrasing:
   Phrases like “I used the drama with your boyfriend as an excuse” offer double meanings, blending literal actions with underlying motives, a poetic technique that can make lyrics more relatable.
5. Imagery and Memory:
   Lines such as “I keep picturing you in those poses” use visual imagery. This poetic style is common in English lyrics to evoke memories or emotions tied to a person.
6. Expressing Desire Through Indirect Language:
   Phrasing like “I know you’re not mine, but I want to touch you” conveys longing in a subtle, indirect way, highlighting how English uses nuanced language for emotional expression.