IF AND/OR WHEN

Ruel's song 'IF AND/OR WHEN' delves into the complexities and anxieties that come with romantic relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is deeply aware of the fragility of love and the potential for heartbreak. The opening lines, 'I could imagine you breakin' my heart / Those things can happen whenever you hold on too hard,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the fear of getting too attached and the inevitable pain that might follow. This sentiment is further emphasized with the line, 'I'm not a pessimist, I'm just a mess in the dark,' suggesting a struggle with inner turmoil and anxiety about the future of the relationship.

The chorus, 'Tired of writin' in pencil, I'm inkin' you in,' symbolizes a desire for permanence and commitment, despite the underlying fear of the relationship's end. The metaphor of switching from pencil to ink signifies a shift from tentative, erasable actions to a more definitive, lasting commitment. This is juxtaposed with the repeated line, 'Livin' like I'm not afraid of the end,' which reveals a longing to live in the moment and enjoy the relationship without being paralyzed by the fear of its potential demise.

Ruel also touches on the realistic challenges that can threaten a relationship, such as distance and the possibility of meeting someone else. The verse, 'What if you met someone else at your work? / Someone more stable and better at puttin' you first,' reflects the insecurities and doubts that can creep in, especially when physical distance is a factor. Despite these fears, the song ultimately calls for a mutual agreement to 'pretend we're not afraid of the end,' advocating for a focus on the present and the joy that the relationship brings, rather than being consumed by what might go wrong.