Bubble Gum

Clairo's 'Bubble Gum' is a song that encapsulates the bittersweet nature of unrequited love and the vulnerability that comes with it. The opening lines, 'Sorry I didn't kiss you / But it's obvious I wanted to,' immediately set the tone for a confession of missed opportunities and unspoken desires. The metaphor of bubble gum stuck in the throat symbolizes the singer's inability to express her feelings, which she sees as both a silly and frustrating predicament.

The chorus, 'Cause I swallowed the bubble gum / Oh, and these seven years will be pretty dumb,' references the old wives' tale that swallowed gum stays in your stomach for seven years. Here, it serves as a metaphor for the long-lasting impact of her unvoiced emotions. The imagery of 'Pink flowers grow from my skin / Pepto bismol veins and I grin' paints a picture of someone trying to put on a brave face and smile through the discomfort and internal turmoil caused by their affection for someone who may not reciprocate it.

The song's gentle, lo-fi indie sound complements the intimate and introspective lyrics. Clairo's soft vocals deliver a sense of yearning and resignation that many listeners can relate to. The line 'You look so nice in your shirt / It's sad because it just hurts' conveys a deep appreciation for the object of her affection, yet also the pain of knowing that her feelings might not be returned. 'Bubble Gum' is a delicate portrayal of the complexities of young love, the fear of rejection, and the courage it takes to reveal one's true feelings.