Released: 2020
“Heather” by Conan Gray is a song about unrequited love and jealousy. The narrator is heartbroken as they watch the person they have feelings for fall for someone else, Heather, who seems perfect in every way. The song captures the pain of feeling inadequate and wishing to be someone else to gain the affection of the one they love.
The song kicks off with a vivid memory from the third of December, setting a nostalgic tone. The narrator recalls wearing a sweater given by their crush, who complimented them, sparking hope. However, this hope is quickly dashed as they notice their crush’s attention is fixed on Heather, who is described as stunning and captivating. The narrator feels invisible and inferior in comparison.
The chorus highlights the narrator’s insecurity and longing. They question why their crush would ever kiss them when they perceive themselves as less attractive than Heather. The sweater, a symbol of affection, is given to Heather, amplifying the narrator’s feelings of rejection. Despite the sweater being ‘just polyester,’ it holds emotional weight, representing the affection they wish to receive.
In the second verse, the narrator observes Heather and their crush together, feeling the sting of jealousy and exclusion. They struggle with conflicting emotions, admiring Heather’s angelic qualities while also harboring a dark wish for her absence. This internal conflict underscores the depth of their pain and longing.
The repetition of wishing to be Heather emphasizes the narrator’s desire to be the one who is loved and admired. The song closes with a poignant repetition of the chorus, reinforcing the theme of unrequited love and the narrator’s yearning to be someone they are not.
