Tough Love Lyrics – Gracie Abrams

Tough Love Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
In this verse, the singer takes a train to Boston, overwhelmed with emotions and on the verge of tears. She reflects on her breakup with a boyfriend, feeling the weight of being alone at 24 on a Saturday night. She grabs his jacket, which has a rip in the side, symbolizing their flawed relationship. The singer expresses frustration over their constant fighting, acknowledging how it drains her. She downplays his importance, viewing him as just another fleeting romantic interest, someone she’ll date for a short period before moving on out of boredom. Surrounded by strangers on the train, she feels a surprising sense of connection and comfort, finding these unfamiliar faces more appealing than her ex-boyfriend.

[Pre-Chorus]
The singer describes the breakup as “tough love,” emphasizing that she genuinely means it. She is no longer captivated by her ex and decides to leave the relationship because it no longer fulfills her.

[Chorus]
The singer recalls laughing when her ex tried to manipulate her, highlighting the moment’s irony. The situation was amusing until the seriousness of their breakup set in. By leaving him, she forced him to confront the end of their relationship, realizing she didn’t fully understand what she was leaving behind or what she would gain. She is determined not to waste her twenties on meaningless relationships with men who don’t measure up to the value of her friends. Although it hurts her to see him suffer, she now comprehends her reasons for ending things and is confident in her decision.

[Verse 2]
Strolling by the river, she pauses by the boats, finding peace in the night’s stillness and tempted by the serene environment. The benches by the Charles River offer her a place of refuge, evoking a sense of home. She finds herself in a bar, drinking with the sister of a boy she met through college connections. This woman is a unique character, known for her intellectual sharpness and brutally honest nature, often causing her boyfriends to leave. The singer appreciates her directness, finding a refreshing and genuine connection with someone who values honesty, even if it’s harsh. This encounter contrasts with her past relationship, emphasizing the value of real, if tough, interactions.

[Pre-Chorus]
Reiterating the concept of “tough love,” the singer suggests that enduring such emotional challenges is beneficial. Despite the pain, her ex will learn from the experience, even if he struggles initially.

[Chorus]
The singer recounts laughing when her ex tried to manipulate her again, emphasizing the fleeting humor that vanished as reality set in. Leaving him behind, she forced him to face the breakup’s consequences, initially unsure of what she was walking away from or towards. She reaffirms her resolve not to spend her twenties on unremarkable men, valuing the intelligence and resilience of her friends over shallow relationships. Despite the discomfort of leaving him hurt, she understands her motivations and feels justified in her decision to move on.

[Post-Chorus]
The singer reiterates her newfound clarity and certainty about why she ended the relationship, emphasizing her confidence and sense of purpose.

[Bridge]
She lists specific reasons why she won’t miss her ex, highlighting his disruptive behavior, his unpleasant friends and their drunken escapades, his inflated ego, and shallow thinking. She also notes her refusal to continue denying her own needs and reasons for staying with him. This section underscores her liberation from the negative aspects of the relationship, reinforcing her decision to leave and prioritize her well-being.

[Chorus]
The singer repeats the narrative of laughing off her ex’s attempts to manipulate her until the gravity of their breakup became apparent. She left him to deal with his emotions, initially uncertain about her path forward. She is resolute in not wasting her twenties on insignificant relationships, valuing the strength and intelligence of her friends. Although it’s painful to see him hurt, she now fully understands her reasons for leaving and embraces her journey of personal growth and self-discovery.