Strawberries & Cigarettes

Troye Sivan's 'Strawberries & Cigarettes' is a poignant reflection on young love, nostalgia, and the indelible memories that linger long after a relationship has ended. The song's lyrics recount the innocence and excitement of a burgeoning romance, with specific details like sneaking out, the mishap of locked keys, and the intimate moments shared in the back of a cab. These snapshots of youth and love are tied together by the recurring motif of strawberries and cigarettes, which symbolize the sensory memories that trigger emotional recollections of the past relationship.

The chorus emphasizes the bittersweet nature of these memories, as the taste of strawberries and cigarettes becomes a metaphor for the lingering presence of a former lover. Despite the passage of time and the attempts to move on ('even if I run away'), the protagonist finds that these sensory experiences still evoke the same feelings as before. This suggests a sense of being stuck or haunted by the past, unable to fully escape the emotional ties to the person who left such a strong impression.

Troye Sivan's musical style, often characterized by its emotive delivery and synth-pop influences, enhances the song's themes of longing and reminiscence. The melody and production choices create an atmosphere that mirrors the wistful and dreamy quality of the lyrics, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences of love lost and the small details that can unexpectedly bring those memories rushing back.