I first left to a summer camp
Feel my skeleton, can you make my brittle bones strong?
Remember when we talked so long?
Quiet behind bedroom walls
The light made your eyes so big
And I keep my doubts in the back of my mind
And I still love you in the meantime
Cut me slack while I figure it out
And I still love you in the meantime
In the meantime
Can I love you in the meantime?
And I keep my doubts in the back of my mind
And I still love you in the meantime
Cut me slack while I figure it out
And I still love you in the meantime
In the meantime
Can I love you in the meantime?
In the meantime
Can I love you in the meantime?
Twist me, licorice
Speak with your fingertips
Tell me what you want me to do
Can you meet me by the swimming pool
After hours, when the air is cool?
I’ve got things I don’t know how to say
Can I love you in the meantime?
Can I love you in the meantime?
Exploring Vulnerability and Uncertainty in “Meantime”
Chappell Roan’s “Meantime” is a delicate exploration of love, uncertainty, and the courage to be vulnerable. The opening lines evoke a sense of nostalgia and youthful innocence, setting the stage for a song that oscillates between longing and hesitation. The recurring phrase “Can I love you in the meantime?” captures the tension of wanting to hold onto a relationship without having all the answers.
Between Hesitation and Commitment
The lyrics reveal the narrator’s inner conflict—doubts linger “in the back of my mind,” yet love persists in the present. Roan’s imagery, like “twist me, licorice” and “speak with your fingertips,” adds a layer of intimacy, illustrating the physical and emotional closeness that coexists with uncertainty. The song ultimately asks for patience and understanding while navigating the complexities of personal growth and connection.
Song Credits
Artist: Chappell Roan
Release Year: 2024