High School Sweethearts

Melanie Martinez's 'High School Sweethearts' is a song that delves into the complexities of love and relationships, with a particular focus on the expectations and demands that come with them. The lyrics present a series of 'requirements' that the singer sets for her potential partner, emphasizing the intensity and seriousness with which she approaches the concept of true love. Martinez's style often includes dark, whimsical, and theatrical elements, and this song is no exception, as it combines a playful tone with a fierce declaration of standards.

The song's structure follows a list of steps, akin to a set of rules for the listener to follow if they wish to be the artist's 'one and only true love.' These steps range from accepting her quirks to being willing to show affection publicly and putting in the necessary effort to maintain the relationship. The chorus highlights the non-negotiable nature of these requirements, suggesting that anything less would be a waste of time. The intensity of the lyrics, with phrases like 'I will rip your fuckin' face apart' if betrayed, underscores the depth of her emotional investment and the potential for devastation if her trust is broken.

The title 'High School Sweethearts' might evoke an image of youthful, innocent love, but Martinez subverts this expectation by presenting a more mature and perhaps cynical view of love. The song explores themes of vulnerability, the fear of being hurt, and the desire for a love that is all-consuming and transformative. The repeated line 'If you're not my type' serves as a reminder that she is selective and uncompromising in her search for a partner who can meet her intense emotional needs and handle the 'chokin', the bitin', the lovin', the smotherin'' that come with her version of love.