I Do

Reneé Rapp's song 'I Do' delves into the painful experience of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where one person is deeply in love, while the other does not reciprocate those feelings to the same extent. The protagonist leaves a key in the mailbox for their partner, symbolizing an open invitation and a deep longing for closeness. However, this gesture also highlights the imbalance in their relationship, as the protagonist is willing to go to great lengths to accommodate their partner, who remains emotionally distant.

The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as it contrasts the protagonist's stormy emotional state with their partner's seemingly carefree perspective. The line 'You don't see us like I do' encapsulates the central theme of the song: the disparity in how each person views the relationship. While the protagonist is under a storm, feeling the weight of unreciprocated love, their partner is seeing 'sky-blue,' oblivious to the emotional depth and turmoil experienced by the protagonist. This metaphor effectively conveys the heartache and frustration of loving someone who does not fully understand or return that love.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's fear of being replaced becomes evident. The repeated line 'Terrified I always will even after the day you look at somebody else and you say: I do' underscores the anxiety and heartbreak of imagining their partner committing to someone else. The song concludes with a haunting realization that even if their partner finds someone new, that person will never see them 'like I do.' This final sentiment encapsulates the enduring pain of unrequited love and the deep emotional scars it leaves behind.