Play It Cool

Tipling Rock's song "Play It Cool" delves into the emotional complexities of unreciprocated love and the struggle to maintain composure in the face of heartache. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is trying to come to terms with the cold treatment they have received from a loved one. The repeated lines, "I'll take my time just to try a lil' more" and "I take my time just to make a lil' more," suggest a persistent effort to salvage the relationship or at least to understand it better. This persistence, however, is met with the harsh reality that the love they are giving is not being returned, encapsulated in the line, "The hardest pill to swallow is the truth."

The chorus, with its recurring theme of being treated coldly and the decision to "play it cool," highlights the internal conflict of wanting more from the relationship while simultaneously trying to protect oneself from further emotional harm. The metaphor of love fitting "like a glove" but being "unreciprocated" underscores the mismatch between the protagonist's feelings and the reality of the situation. The imagery of removing locks from the door symbolizes a vulnerability and openness that is not being met with the same level of commitment or affection.

As the song progresses, the protagonist acknowledges the pain of unreciprocated love but chooses to maintain a facade of coolness and indifference. The line, "You don't know what you got until it goes," serves as a poignant reminder of the value of love and the regret that often follows its loss. Despite the cold treatment, the protagonist resolves to take what they can get and move forward, even if it means playing the fool. The song captures the bittersweet nature of love and the resilience required to navigate its ups and downs, all while maintaining a semblance of composure.