My Play

AJR's song 'My Play' delves into the emotional complexities of childhood memories and the impact of parental relationships on personal growth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a child putting on a play in their old house, a metaphor for seeking validation and love from their parents. The imagery of jumping on the old couch and putting up lights in the cold evokes a sense of nostalgia and innocence, highlighting the child's earnest efforts to gain their parents' attention and approval.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the child's parents are no longer together, adding a layer of sadness and confusion. The line 'If you both outgrew one another, I could start now, looking for a lover' suggests the child's struggle to understand the concept of love and relationships. The repeated desire to 'show you my play' underscores the longing for parental recognition and the fear of their love being wasted. This emotional turmoil is further emphasized by the reluctance to perform the play at Dad's new place, indicating a sense of loss and the difficulty of adjusting to new family dynamics.

The song also touches on the theme of personal growth and the challenges of moving on. The lyrics 'I’ve been on dates, bringing flowers, tryna’ be great for an hour' reflect the child's attempts to navigate adult relationships while still grappling with the unresolved emotions from their parents' separation. The closing lines, 'But when I show you my play, will you pretend you didn’t know,' encapsulate the fear of failure and the hope for acceptance. AJR masterfully captures the bittersweet essence of growing up and the enduring impact of parental love and approval on one's self-worth.