“Logical” by Olivia Rodrigo seems to explore the emotional turmoil and cognitive dissonance often inherent in a questionable and heavily manipulated romantic relationship. Though the protagonist strives for understanding and clarity, their perception is consistently sabotaged by the deceptive actions and persuasive words of their partner.
The lyrics give voice to the intricate struggles of invalidation and gaslighting, where the protagonist’s own experiences and instincts are constantly contradicted, leading to a struggle of questioning their own sanity and judgment. The singer draws parallels between these deceptive behaviors and fundamentally flawed mathematical equations or distorted reality, as evident through the use of skewed arithmetic and color inversions as metaphors. This suggests the extent to which the manipulator can twist the protagonist’s perception of reality.
The sense of false hope in change presents another intriguing element. Despite the hurtful actions of the partner, an irrational hope is nurtured; a hope that the partner can change, often a symptom of manipulation, suggesting the improbability of such transformative change akin to the impossibility of rain not pouring or sun not shining.
The song also closely explores the culpability of the protagonist, pointing to the debilitating guilt and regret often experienced by those who find themselves in such relationships. The protagonist partially blames themselves for not having stopped the manipulation and acknowledges their part in enabling the situation. By doing so, Rodrigo draws attention to the sense of self-reckoning which often follows such experiences.
Lastly, the song title, “Logical,” as well as its repetitive appearance throughout the lyrics, underscores the key message: love, particularly when laced with manipulation and deception, defies reason and logic. Even though the protagonist understands that their emotional predicament defies logic, they continue to question their own judgment, showcasing the destructive cycle of manipulation and how it’s not so easily broken.
In conclusion, this song appears to be a poignant examination of a deeply flawed relationship marked by manipulation, the distortion of reality, hope for an unreachable change, guilt, and a futile quest for logic in situations driven by emotion.