Dumb & Poetic

In “Dumb & Poetic,” Sabrina Carpenter crafts a narrative that dances between admiration and frustration, exposing the fine line between intelligence and pretension. The song unravels the story of someone who is captivated by the surface charm of another, only to find that the depth they long for is merely an illusion. The lyrics are sharp, laced with sarcasm and disappointment, capturing the essence of being romantically disillusioned while still holding on to the remnants of affection.

The opening lines, “You’re so dumb and poetic / It’s just what I fall for, I like the aesthetic,” set the tone for the entire song. There’s a biting wit here, a recognition that the qualities initially attractive—a certain artistic sensibility, perhaps—are also shallow. The narrator is aware that they’re drawn to this person’s “aesthetic,” knowing full well that it’s not rooted in any real substance. The juxtaposition of “dumb” and “poetic” speaks volumes, suggesting that the person is all style, no real insight.

As the song progresses, Carpenter doesn’t shy away from detailing the frustrating contradictions of this person’s character. The verses "Gold star for hi brow manipulation / When love everyone is your favorite quotation" offer a sharp critique of the superficiality and pretentiousness of the person being addressed. The "hi brow manipulation" suggests that this individual uses intellectual and cultural references, particularly about love, as a tool to impress others and mask their true intentions.

Carpenter’s use of Leonard Cohen as a reference is particularly telling: “Jack off to lyrics by Leonard Cohen.” Cohen’s lyrics are known for their deep, often melancholic introspection, and to casually reference them in such a way indicates a hollow appreciation—an appropriation of depth without truly understanding or feeling it. The narrator criticizes this superficial engagement with art, which mirrors the superficial nature of the relationship itself.

The chorus delivers a powerful statement: “Don’t think you understand / Just 'cause you talk like one doesn’t make you a man.” This line is a direct challenge to the person’s self-perception. It’s a reminder that masculinity, or maturity, isn’t defined by how well someone can recite poetry or philosophical thoughts. The narrator’s frustration is palpable—they’re not fooled by the act, and they’re calling it out for what it is.

In the second verse, the song takes a more personal turn, as Carpenter sings, “You’re so empathetic, you’d make a great wife / And I promise the mushrooms aren’t changing your life.” There’s a mix of sarcasm and sadness here. The person’s supposed empathy is presented as another surface-level trait, something that might make them appear suitable for a deeper commitment, like marriage, but it’s undercut by the realization that even their attempts at self-improvement (symbolized by the mushrooms) are just more posturing.

“Dumb & Poetic” is a poignant exploration of the disillusionment that comes when you realize that someone you once admired is not what they seemed. It’s a song about the frustration of loving someone who is more interested in appearances than in truth, and the eventual realization that depth can’t be faked. Through sharp lyrics and a blend of sarcasm and sincerity, Carpenter captures the bittersweet moment of recognizing that what you thought was profound was, in fact, just an illusion.