When You Were Mine

Joy Crookes' song 'When You Were Mine' is a poignant reflection on a past relationship, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth. The lyrics take us back to the summer of 2016, a time marked by youthful exuberance and fleeting moments of happiness. Crookes questions whether the feelings she experienced were genuine love or merely the effects of nicotine, hinting at the ephemeral nature of their connection. The mention of 'penny paradise' and 'pretty likkle lie' suggests that their relationship was built on illusions and small joys that ultimately couldn't sustain them.

As the song progresses, Crookes observes her former lover with someone new, displaying public affection on Coldharbour Lane. This sight triggers a mix of emotions in her. While she claims not to miss him in the same way, there's an underlying desire for someone to love her with the same intensity someday. The repeated references to 'shoulder to shoulder' and 'Brixton shine' evoke a sense of community and shared experiences, yet she laments that her ex-partner never showed her that kind of affection when they were together. The contrast between her memories and the present reality highlights the changes and growth she has undergone since the breakup.

The chorus, with its catchy refrain of 'JD & Cola, don't even have to try,' underscores the ease and simplicity of their past relationship, which now seems like a distant memory. Crookes acknowledges that her ex wasn't the person she needed him to be, but she still cherishes the moments they shared. The song's setting in Brixton, a vibrant and culturally rich area of London, adds another layer of meaning, emphasizing the importance of place and community in shaping our relationships and memories. Ultimately, 'When You Were Mine' is a bittersweet ode to a love that was imperfect but still significant, capturing the complexity of moving on while holding onto the past.