Stick Season

Olivia Rodrigo's song 'Stick Season' delves into the emotional turmoil following a breakup, capturing the raw and often conflicting feelings that accompany such a loss. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that ended abruptly, leaving the narrator grappling with unresolved emotions. The opening lines suggest a sudden change of heart from the partner, symbolized by the act of driving past the narrator's exit, metaphorically leaving their future behind. This sets the tone for the song, highlighting the sense of abandonment and confusion that follows.

The chorus reflects the narrator's struggle to cope with the breakup, using the metaphor of 'stick season' in Vermont to symbolize a period of barrenness and emotional desolation. The mention of seeing the ex-partner's mother, who has forgotten the narrator, underscores the feeling of being erased from the ex's life. The narrator admits to playing the victim and using alcohol as a coping mechanism, revealing a self-awareness of their own flaws and the complexity of their emotions. The recurring theme of dreaming about a version of the ex-partner that they 'did not lose' suggests a longing for what could have been, further emphasizing the pain of the breakup.

The song also touches on deeper issues, such as the narrator's inherited darkness from their father and the loss of their sense of humor, which was once tied to the ex-partner's laughter. This adds layers to the narrative, showing how the breakup has affected the narrator's identity and mental health. The repeated line 'that'll have to do' conveys a sense of resignation, acknowledging that the narrator must find a way to move forward despite feeling incomplete. Overall, 'Stick Season' is a poignant exploration of heartbreak, self-reflection, and the difficult journey of healing.