Be Around Me
Will Joseph Cook
The Yearning Heart: A Tale of Unrequited Love
Will Joseph Cook's song "Be Around Me" is a heartfelt exploration of unrequited love and the longing for deeper connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is constantly thinking about another person, unable to get them out of their mind. The repetition of phrases like "I'm around, be around, come around, be around me" emphasizes the speaker's desire for closeness and intimacy. This yearning is a central theme, as the speaker's day and night are consumed by thoughts of the person they adore.
The song also delves into the uncertainty and self-doubt that often accompany unrequited love. Lines like "Did I fuck it up again? Are we destined to be friends?" reveal the speaker's fear of ruining their chances and being relegated to the friend zone. Despite these doubts, the speaker expresses a strong desire to give more and to be more than just friends. The playful and candid tone of the lyrics, especially in the conversational exchange towards the end, adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the song.
Cultural references and metaphors enrich the song's narrative. The mention of "November hates you" and "grey skies you break through" suggests that the person being sung about brings light and joy into the speaker's life, even during the dreariest times. The imagery of "watching denim come undone" and "sweep you off of your tippy toes" evokes a sense of intimacy and romantic fantasy. Overall, "Be Around Me" captures the essence of longing, vulnerability, and the hope for reciprocated love, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever experienced the pangs of unrequited affection.