Keep It Simple

Tove Lo's song 'Keep It Simple' delves into the complexities of emotional recovery and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is still grappling with the remnants of a previous love, finding it difficult to fully embrace a new relationship. The opening lines, 'I've been deep down in the dirt for some time / Not a clear sound from my heart or my mind,' set the tone for the emotional turmoil the protagonist is experiencing. The repeated phrase 'I'm breathing, I'm breathing, I'm breathing' suggests a sense of survival and a slow, painful process of healing.

The chorus, 'Let me keep it simple / So I don't have to face ya / Let it be just my call / 'Cause I ain't ready for ya,' highlights the protagonist's need for space and time to heal. This plea for simplicity and control over the situation underscores the fear of diving into another emotional commitment before fully recovering from the last one. The repetition of 'I ain't ready' emphasizes the internal conflict and the protagonist's acknowledgment of their emotional unpreparedness.

In the bridge, Tove Lo explores the idea of using physical intimacy as a coping mechanism. Lines like 'Physical to trick your heart / You are moving on / Physical to feel okay / That's what people say' reveal a common but often ineffective strategy to mask emotional pain. The song concludes with a reiteration of the need to 'keep it simple,' reinforcing the protagonist's desire to avoid further emotional complications until they are truly ready to move forward. Tove Lo's raw and honest lyrics resonate with anyone who has struggled to let go of the past while trying to navigate new emotional landscapes.