​girl i've always been

Olivia Rodrigo's song 'girl i’ve always been' delves into the complexities of personal identity and the perception of change by others. The lyrics suggest a confrontation between the singer and someone close to her, possibly a romantic partner, who accuses her of changing. Rodrigo refutes this by asserting that she remains the person she has always been, despite the accusations and the turbulence in her life. The song opens with a sense of conflict, as the other person criticizes her, claiming she has changed and disparaged her name. However, Rodrigo stands her ground, indicating that the other person's perception is flawed and that she has remained true to herself.

The chorus of the song introduces metaphors such as 'captors I call friends' and 'panic rooms inside my head,' which imply internal struggles and the complexities of her relationships. These lines suggest that while she may have faced challenges and made questionable choices, her core identity has not shifted. The mention of 'crooked men' and getting 'wrapped up in the game again' hints at a cycle of destructive behavior or toxic relationships that she acknowledges but does not equate with a change in her fundamental self. Rodrigo's lyrics emphasize consistency in her identity, despite the external changes and the ups and downs of her life.

The song's bridge further reinforces the theme of self-consistency. Rodrigo uses the imagery of a 'candle in the wind' to describe her resilience and adaptability. She may influence others ('turn you out, turn you in'), but at her core, she remains the same person. This song resonates with listeners who have faced criticism for evolving or for the choices they've made, reminding them that growth and change in behavior do not necessarily mean one has lost their essence. Rodrigo's message is one of self-acceptance and the recognition that we can remain true to ourselves even as life's experiences shape us.