Released: 2023
Tate McRae’s song “exes” is all about the emotional rollercoaster of relationships and the aftermath of breakups. It’s a mix of apology and defiance, where she acknowledges her own flaws and the chaotic nature of her love life. The song’s catchy chorus and repetitive themes of love and regret make it relatable to anyone who’s ever had a messy breakup.
The song kicks off with an apology, “Oh, I’m sorry, sorry that you love me,” suggesting a sense of guilt for the pain caused to past lovers. The line “Changed my mind up like it’s origami” uses origami as a metaphor for her ever-changing feelings, showing how quickly she can shift her emotions. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where McRae explores the ups and downs of her relationships.
In the chorus, “Kiss-kiss-kiss-kisses to my exes who don’t give a shit about me,” McRae sends a sarcastic farewell to her past lovers. It’s a way of acknowledging that these exes have moved on, and she’s doing the same, albeit with a hint of bitterness. The line “Kisses, kisses to the next ones who think they can live without me” suggests a cycle of relationships where new partners think they can handle her, but ultimately, they can’t.
The verse “We make up, then we break up, then they swear they’ll never call me” captures the on-again, off-again nature of her relationships. Despite the breakups, she admits to keeping their numbers and necklaces, hinting at a lingering attachment or nostalgia. This line reflects the messy, unresolved feelings that often accompany breakups.
As the song progresses, McRae describes herself as “a wild ride that never stops” and “a hard case they can’t unlock,” emphasizing her unpredictable and complex nature. She admits to caring “a lot, just not enough,” which speaks to her struggle with commitment and emotional availability. This self-awareness adds depth to the song, showing that she’s conscious of her own shortcomings.
In the bridge, “Say I wanna go there, then I wanna leave,” McRae highlights her indecisiveness and tendency to make promises she can’t keep. This line captures the internal conflict of wanting love but being afraid of it at the same time. It’s a common theme in relationships where one person is unsure of what they truly want.
The song wraps up with a reflection on her actions, “Kisses to my exes, I know that I did you dirty,” acknowledging the hurt she caused. She admits to being “little messed up, little selfish,” showing a level of maturity and acceptance of her past mistakes. The final lines reiterate the cycle of hooking up and breaking up, leaving listeners with a sense of unresolved tension.
