10 I See

John Michael Howell's song '10 I See' is a charming and heartfelt exploration of love, expressed through a clever use of numbers. The song begins with the protagonist's nervousness and excitement as he starts a conversation with someone he deeply admires. The lyrics 'One hi to start the conversation, Two legs that I can't stop from shaking' capture the initial awkwardness and physical reactions that often accompany a budding romance. The use of numbers continues throughout the song, creating a rhythmic and engaging narrative that draws the listener in.

The chorus of the song highlights the protagonist's longing and desire to be with the person he loves. Lines like 'I got five fingers dying to hold your hand, And a six figure living I wanna spend' emphasize his readiness to commit and share his life with this person. The phrase 'seven lonely nights could really use a plus one' poignantly conveys his loneliness and yearning for companionship. The clever wordplay in 'let's make eight turn it ninety degrees' transforms the number eight into the infinity symbol, symbolizing eternal love. The repeated line 'When you're ninety with me, baby, you'll still be the only ten I see' underscores the enduring nature of his affection, suggesting that his love will remain strong even in old age.

The song also references popular culture and personal milestones, adding depth to the narrative. The mention of 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'Thirteen Reasons' provides a contemporary context, while the line '1999 I took a breath, From then 'till my 20s, you took the rest' reflects the passage of time and the impact of this love on the protagonist's life. The repeated attempts and failures to approach the person he loves, as described in 'Fifteen times I've tried, Sixteen times I've failed,' highlight the persistence and vulnerability inherent in love. Ultimately, '10 I See' is a beautifully crafted song that uses numerical metaphors to convey the complexities and enduring nature of love.