Song meaning of Cool About It by ​boygenius

"Cool About It" by boygenius, a supergroup consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, delves into the complexities of unrequited love and the struggle to maintain composure in the face of emotional turmoil. The song opens with Baker recounting a casual encounter at a dive bar, where she tries to maintain a nonchalant facade while grappling with her feelings for someone who may not reciprocate. This is reflected in the chorus as she sings, "I'm trying to be cool about it, Feelin' like an absolute fool about it," capturing the internal conflict of wanting to appear unaffected while secretly yearning for validation.

Dacus enters in the second verse, expressing a desire for closure and absolution from the object of her affection. She confronts the challenge of letting go and moving on, as seen in the lines, "But I'm trying to forget about it, Feelin' like I'm breaking a sweat about it." The struggle to release the emotional attachment is palpable, highlighting the difficulty of accepting the reality of unreciprocated feelings.

Bridgers takes the lead in the final verse, revealing a deeper level of intimacy and vulnerability in the relationship. The mention of taking the other person's medication to understand their perspective symbolizes a desperate attempt to connect and empathize. The chorus, sung collectively by all three artists, emphasizes the theme of avoidance and denial, as they choose to sidestep difficult conversations and opt for superficial interactions instead.

Overall, "Cool About It" explores the internal battles of unrequited love, the facade of indifference, and the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy in the face of emotional turmoil. The song's poignant lyrics and haunting melodies capture the raw emotions of longing and heartache, making it a powerful reflection on the complexities of human relationships.