The singer expresses regret for how their relationship ended and for not appreciating their partner when they were together. They reference specific memories from September and the fall when their love was strong. Now, the singer stays up replaying the hurt and missing their ex. They want to go back and fix their mistakes by apologizing and loving their ex right this time.

2. I'm so glad you made time to see meHow's life? Tell me, how's your family?I haven't seen them in a while

3. You've been good, busier than everWe small talk, work and the weatherYour guard is up, and I know why

4. Because the last time you saw meIs still burned in the back of your mindYou gave me roses, and I left them there to die

5. So this is me swallowing my prideStanding in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night

6. And♥ I go back to December♥

7. It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing youWishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine

8. I go back to December, turn around and make it alrightI go back to December all the time

9. These days, I haven't been sleepingStaying up, playing back myself leavingWhen your birthday passed, and I didn't call

10. Then I think about summer, all the beautiful timesI watched you laughing from the passenger sideAnd realized I loved you in the fall

11. And then the cold came, the dark daysWhen fear crept into my mindYou gave me all your love, and all I gave you was goodbye

12. So this is me swallowing my prideStanding in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that nightAnd I go back to December all the time

13. It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing youWishing I'd realized what I had when you were mineI go back to December, turn around and change my own mindI go back to December all the time

14. I miss your tan skin, your sweet smileSo good to me, so rightAnd how you held me in your arms that September nightThe first time you ever saw me cry

15. Maybe this is wishful thinkingProbably mindless dreamingBut if we loved again, I swear I'd love you right

16. I'd go back in time and change it, but I can'tSo if the chain is on your door, I understand

17. This is me swallowing my prideStanding in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that nightAnd I go back to December

18. It turns out freedom ain't nothing but missing youWishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine

19. I go back to December, turn around and make it alrightI go back to December, turn around and change my own mind

20. I go ♥back to December ♥all the time