At its heart, Olivia Rodrigo’s song “get him back” is a complex exploration of post-breakup emotions and reactions. It sketches the portrait of an individual grappling with the contrasting feelings elicited by the end of a romantic relationship. Infinity of emotions, from a nostalgic longing to an urge for revenge, pervades throughout the song.
The dominant theme seems to be the oscillation between relishing in the memories of a past lover and acknowledging the bitter truths about his actions. The plot is sewn around a summer-to-spring romance, subtly indicating seasonality and transience of the relationship. There’s a resonating sense of confusion and conflict the protagonist dwells in, manifest in the shades of love and hate for the same person.
The song places a significant focus on the emotionally charged concept of wanting to ‘get back’ at an ex-partner, which is not only about rekindling the romance but also targeted at invoking feelings of jealousy and regret in the ex-beau. This duality vividly captures the ambivalence often experienced in the aftermath of a harsh breakup.
The mention of writing letters and then discarding them, paints a vivid illustration of internal turmoil and catharsis, signifying the struggle of moving on from a toxic relationship. The protagonist’s contemplation on ‘fixing’ the partner also sheds light on the unhealthy desire to change a person to fit one’s own romantic ideals, disregarding the damaging impacts it may have.
The lyrics involving acts of revenge, like ‘keying his car’ or ‘meeting his mom’, are underlined with a raw sense of angst and hurt. They simultaneously convey a fierce independence and an unfulfilled desire, projecting a sense of toughness while exposing vulnerability, a bitter-sweet contrast resonating with listeners who have experienced similar post-breakup obsessions or impulses.
In summary, “get him back!” is an intricate display of Rodrigo’s storytelling prowess, with the capacity to evoke deep emotional connections with listeners. It’s an emotional roller-coaster that captures the complexities of post-breakup feelings, ultimately offering a stark reminder of the human capacity to bear conflicting emotions for the same person, in love and retrospect.