100 degrees

Mackenzie Ziegler's song '100 Degrees' delves into the emotional aftermath of a broken relationship, using the changing seasons as a powerful metaphor. The lyrics begin with a reflection on the artist's past disdain for summer, a time often associated with high expectations and inevitable disappointments. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the contrast between the warmth of a once-passionate relationship and the coldness that follows its end. The line 'I'm done punchin' walls, now summer is all that I want' signifies a shift in perspective, where the artist now longs for the warmth and intensity that the relationship once brought, despite its eventual downfall.

The chorus captures the essence of this emotional journey, with the repeated phrase 'We used to be a 100 degrees' symbolizing the peak of their relationship's intensity. The imagery of 'Broke me to pieces, fucked all my seasons' poignantly conveys the profound impact of the breakup, disrupting the natural flow of time and emotions. The artist's heart, once warm and vibrant, is now 'freezing,' encapsulating the sense of loss and longing for the past. The term 'summertime grieving' further emphasizes the paradox of mourning during a season typically associated with joy and vitality.

In the second verse, Ziegler addresses the duplicity of her former partner, who is perceived as a 'good one who lied in disguise.' The rhetorical question 'Is your halo heavy? Is it weighing you down?' challenges the facade of innocence and goodness that the ex-partner maintains. This verse underscores the theme of betrayal and the disillusionment that follows, as the artist grapples with the reality of being let down by someone who appeared virtuous. The repetition of 'December broke us, now we're strangers somehow' reinforces the stark contrast between the warmth of their past and the coldness of their present, highlighting the emotional distance that has grown between them.

Overall, '100 Degrees' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the emotional turbulence that accompanies the end of a significant relationship. Through vivid seasonal metaphors and raw, honest lyrics, Mackenzie Ziegler captures the complexity of moving on from a love that once burned bright but ultimately left her in the cold.