If We Ever Broke Up
Mae Stephens
The Liberating Anthem of Moving On
Mae Stephens' song "If We Ever Broke Up" is a candid and somewhat sardonic take on the end of a relationship. The lyrics convey a strong sense of independence and self-assurance, suggesting that the speaker would not be devastated by a breakup. Instead, there's an air of liberation and even a hint of retribution, as the speaker talks about calling the ex-partner's father to reveal the 'shittiest of things' said by the ex. This indicates a readiness to expose the partner's flaws and move on without looking back.
The song's chorus emphasizes the lack of sadness the speaker would feel if the relationship ended, which could be interpreted as a defense mechanism or genuine indifference. The references to shared music and songs that once symbolized their love now feel wrong, highlighting how the emotional connection to these memories has changed. The mention of 'Wonderland' and 'girls in white dresses' suggests that the partner may have had unrealistic expectations or a desire for a fairytale ending that the speaker finds unattainable or unappealing.
Overall, Mae Stephens delivers a message of empowerment and self-worth. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced a relationship that didn't meet their expectations and found the strength to envision a life beyond it. The tone is not one of bitterness but rather of self-respect and the recognition that sometimes, walking away is the healthiest choice one can make.