The Meaning Behind The Song: Cool About It by boygenius
Introduction
I am listening to the song “Cool About It” by boygenius while working and it has struck a chord with me. The lyrics are powerful and evoke a sense of longing, regret, and vulnerability. In this article, I will delve into the meaning behind the song and provide some additional information about it.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The song begins with the lines, “Met you at the dive bar to go shoot some pool, And make fun of the cowboys with the neck tattoos, Ask you easy questions about work and school.” These lines set the stage for a casual encounter, perhaps between two people who are not yet comfortable expressing their true emotions to each other.
The chorus of the song reveals the inner turmoil of the narrator, who is trying to appear nonchalant about their feelings. It goes, “I’m trying to be cool about it, Feelin’ like an absolute fool about it, Wishin’ you were kind enough to be cruel about it, Tellin’ myself I can always do without it, Knowing that it probably isn’t true.” These lyrics reflect the fear of rejection and the struggle to maintain composure while secretly desiring more from the relationship.
In the second verse, the focus shifts to the narrator’s willingness to forgive and offer absolution. However, they feel hurt when the other person claims to have no regrets. The verse goes, “I came prepared for absolution, if you’d only ask, So I take some offense when you say, ‘No regrets,’ I remember it’s impossible to pass your test.” This highlights the disconnect between the two individuals and the frustration of not being understood.
The chorus is repeated in the second verse, with all the voices harmonizing the conflicting emotions they are experiencing. They long to forget about their feelings but find it challenging to do so. The lyrics go, “But I’m trying to forget about it, Feelin’ like I’m breaking a sweat about it, Wishin’ you would kindly get out of my head about it, Tellin’ myself, one day, I’ll forget about it, Knowing that it probably isn’t true.”
In the final verse, a sense of vulnerability emerges. The narrator confesses to taking the other person’s medication, perhaps attempting to understand their perspective. They continue to pretend that they are unaware of the other person’s thoughts and feelings, asking how they are doing while allowing them to lie. This showcases the narrator’s willingness to sacrifice their own emotional wellbeing for the sake of the relationship.
The song concludes with the chorus, emphasizing that they don’t have to talk about their true feelings. The narrator can pretend that everything is fine, even though they know it isn’t true.
Additional Information
“Cool About It” is the fifth track on boygenius’ album “the record” released in 2023. It was debuted live at the Tibet House Benefit Concert on March 1, 2023. The song draws inspiration from Paul Simon, particularly his work with Simon & Garfunkel. It incorporates the melody of “The Boxer” by the same band into its opening. This influence adds a nostalgic and melancholic touch to the song.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a depiction of a deteriorating relationship characterized by a lack of communication. It possibly explores encounters with an ex-partner, where there are unresolved feelings and a desire to maintain a facade of indifference.
Credits for the song go to Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, and Phoebe Bridgers, who not only produced the track but also wrote and provided vocals for it. The song is released under the label Interscope Records.
In conclusion, “Cool About It” by boygenius is a poignant song that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Its lyrics speak of longing, regret, and the struggle to appear unaffected by one’s true feelings. The heartfelt harmonies and the incorporation of Simon & Garfunkel’s influence make it a captivating piece of music.
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