Cross My Mind

Olivia Dean's song 'Cross My Mind' delves into the complex emotions that arise when love and fear intersect. The lyrics reveal a struggle with vulnerability and the hesitation to fully engage in a relationship despite strong feelings. The opening lines, 'Know I read your text / And it ain’t hard to reply / But I ain’t ready yet,' set the tone for the internal conflict. The protagonist acknowledges the ease of responding but is held back by an array of reasons, suggesting a fear of potential heartbreak or rejection.

The chorus, 'I love it when you cross my mind / Know I'm thinking about ya,' highlights the joy and comfort found in thoughts of the loved one. However, this is juxtaposed with the admission, 'But sometimes I forget what I need / If you can’t get hold of me,' indicating a struggle to balance personal needs with the desire to connect. The repeated line, 'I love it when you cross my mind,' serves as a reminder of the emotional pull the loved one has, even when direct communication feels daunting.

Dean's lyrics also touch on the difficulty of self-understanding and expression. The line, 'You said I'm hard to read / But it’s hard for me / I can’t even read myself sometimes,' encapsulates the challenge of navigating one's own emotions. This self-awareness adds depth to the narrative, portraying a protagonist who is not only grappling with external relationships but also with internal clarity. The song beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of love, where joy and fear coexist, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt torn between their heart and their head.