​we never even dated

Maggie Lindemann's song 'we never even dated' delves into the complex emotions of unrequited love and the lingering feelings that persist even when a relationship never officially began. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone holding onto moments and memories that were never fully theirs, highlighting the pain of loving someone who is now with someone else. The line 'Swear I'm not crying, there's just something in my eye' captures the denial and the attempt to mask the true depth of the emotional turmoil.

The song also explores the jealousy and regret that come with seeing the person you love with someone else. The protagonist admits to feeling jealous and even hating the new girlfriend, not because of who she is, but because of what she represents—a barrier to the love that was never fully realized. The repeated lines about deleting the number and pretending the person doesn't exist underscore the struggle to move on, even when the heart is still deeply attached. The hope that the other person might still have feelings, as expressed in 'If you ever call me to tell me you want me then I'll tell you too,' reveals a lingering hope that keeps the protagonist emotionally tethered.

The song's emotional core is encapsulated in the repeated refrain 'I'll be waiting for you,' which signifies a refusal to let go completely. This waiting is not just for a call or a message but for a validation of the feelings that were never openly acknowledged. The sweater kept at the back of the drawer serves as a metaphor for the hidden, yet ever-present, emotional baggage. The song beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of unspoken love and the difficulty of moving on from something that was never fully realized but felt deeply nonetheless.