Smitten With You

Nicole Dollanganger's song "Smitten With You" captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of infatuation and young love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person deeply enamored, struggling with shyness and the overwhelming desire to be noticed by their crush. The imagery of cheeks turning red like cherries and stuffing a dress with tissues to appear more attractive highlights the innocence and awkwardness often associated with first loves. This vulnerability is palpable, making the listener empathize with the protagonist's emotional turmoil and longing.

The song delves into the protagonist's fantasies, where they imagine overcoming their shyness and confidently approaching their crush. The dream sequence where they ask their crush out for a milkshake, followed by a more intimate encounter, reflects the intense and often confusing mix of romantic and sexual desires that come with infatuation. Dollanganger's lyrics do not shy away from the explicit, instead embracing the raw honesty of these feelings. This blend of innocence and explicitness creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the complexity of young love.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's fantasies become more detailed and intimate, culminating in a scene where they imagine taking their crush home and acting out their deepest desires. This progression from shy admiration to bold fantasy underscores the intensity of their feelings. Dollanganger's use of vivid, almost cinematic imagery, such as flirting like a Hollywood starlet and sharing a milkshake, adds a layer of romanticism to the narrative. The song beautifully captures the essence of being smitten, with all its highs and lows, making it a relatable and poignant exploration of young love.