To Love a Boy

Maya Hawke's song 'To Love a Boy' is a poignant exploration of love, vulnerability, and the fear of emotional exposure. The lyrics draw a powerful comparison between the vast, mysterious ocean and the complexities of loving another person. Hawke expresses a deep desire to love someone with the same intensity and boundlessness that she feels for the ocean, yet she is held back by her fears and insecurities. The ocean serves as a metaphor for the depth and unpredictability of her emotions, as well as the potential for both beauty and danger in love.

The song delves into the internal struggle of wanting to open up and be vulnerable while simultaneously fearing the pain that might come with it. Hawke's lyrics, 'I wish I was not afraid of all I have that's broken,' highlight her awareness of her own emotional scars and the challenge of overcoming them. The repeated line, 'I want to love a boy the way I love the ocean,' underscores her longing for a pure, unrestrained love, but also her recognition of the barriers she faces in achieving it.

Hawke's introspective lyrics also touch on the theme of self-discovery and the realization that true emotional connection requires honesty and courage. The lines, 'It's better to speak than it is to die' and 'It's better to laugh than it is to lie,' suggest that embracing vulnerability and authenticity is essential for meaningful relationships. The song's melancholic tone and reflective nature invite listeners to contemplate their own fears and desires in love, making 'To Love a Boy' a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant piece.