The Real Meaning of Melanie Martinez's Song 'High School Sweethearts' (2024)

“High School Sweethearts” by Melanie Martinez is a song that expresses themes of intense love, loyalty, and the demand for an unwavering commitment from a romantic partner. The lyrics outline a set of requirements and expectations that the singer has for her lover, emphasizing the need for full dedication and emotional investment in the relationship.

The song begins with the chorus, where the singer sets the tone by laying out the conditions for being her true love. There’s a demand for honest and genuine affection, along with a warning of severe consequences if the partner betrays her trust.

In the first verse, the singer reveals that she may be perceived as eccentric or different, but she requires someone who can understand and accept her quirks. Step by step, she establishes the need for support, respect for her individuality, and a shared sense of passion and enthusiasm for life to sustain the relationship.

The pre-chorus conveys a message of emotional intensity, with a plea for only those who are willing to endure the challenges of loving someone deeply to stay in the relationship. It highlights the rollercoaster of emotions and the demand for unwavering commitment.

The post-chorus shifts the focus to a blunt rejection of individuals who do not meet her standards. The repeated lines of “High school sweethearts, line up” resonate with the rejection of those who do not fit her idealized vision of a partner. The singer is clear in stating her requirements and non-negotiable stance on what she expects.

In the second verse, the requirements become more stringent, emphasizing the need for pride in the relationship, effort from both parties, and a strict warning against infidelity. The escalation of demands showcases the singer’s intensity and the seriousness with which she expects her love to be reciprocated.

The bridge introduces a moment of vulnerability, where the singer expresses a desire for emotional support and a deep connection. The imagery of holding through the night, comforting during tears, and exploring new experiences together adds layers to her complex personality and desires from a partner.

Throughout the song, there is a juxtaposition of affection and aggression, vulnerability and assertiveness, creating a multidimensional portrayal of love and relationships. The repetition of the choruses and post-choruses reinforces the singer’s unwavering stance on her requirements, making it clear that she will not settle for anything less than complete dedication.

“High School Sweethearts” can be interpreted as a song that celebrates intense love but also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of betraying trust and the uncompromising nature of true commitment.

Chorus
Can we just be honest?
These are the requirements
If you think you can be my one and only true love
You must promise to love me
And damn it, if you f*ck me over
I will rip your f*ckin' face apart

Verse 1
Step one
You must accept that I'm a little out my mind
Step two
This is a waste if you can't walk me down the finish line
Step three
Give me passion, don't make fun of my fashion
Step four
Give me more, give me more, more

Pre-Chorus
If you can't handle a heart like mine
Don't waste your time with me
If you're not down to bleed, no, oh
If you can't handle the chokin', the bitin'
The lovin', the smotherin'
'Til you can't handle it no more, no more
Go home

Chorus
Can we just be honest?
These are the requirements
If you think you can be my one and only true love
You must promise to love me
And damn it, if you f*ck me over
I will rip your f*ckin' face apart

Post-Chorus
High school sweethearts, line up
Not tryna waste my time
High school sweethearts, shut up
If you're not my type
High school sweethearts, line up
Not tryna waste my time
High school sweethearts, shut up
If you're not my type

Verse 2
Step five
You can't be scared to show me off and hold my hand
Step six
If you can't put in work, I don't know what you think this f*ckin' is
Step seven, this one goes to eleven
If you cheat, you will die, die

Pre-Chorus
If you can't handle a heart like mine
Don't waste your time with me
If you're not down to bleed, no, oh
If you can't handle the chokin', the bitin'
The lovin', the smotherin'
'Til you can't handle it no more, no more
Go home

Chorus
Can we just be honest?
These are the requirements
If you think you can be my one and only true love
You must promise to love me
And damn it, if you f*ck me over
I will rip your f*ckin' face apart

Post-Chorus
High school sweethearts, line up
Not tryna waste my time
High school sweethearts, shut up
If you're not my type
High school sweethearts, line up
Not tryna waste my time
High school sweethearts, shut up
If you're not my type

Bridge
Could you hold me through the night?
Put your lips all over my
Salty face when I start cryin'
Could you be my first time?
Eat me up like apple pie
Make me not wanna die
Love me rough and let me fly
Get me up, yeah, get me high
Tie me down, don't leave my side
Don't be a waste of my time

Chorus
Can we just be honest?
These are the requirements
If you think you can be my one and only true love
You must promise to love me
And damn it, if you f*ck me over
I will rip your f*ckin' face apart

Post-Chorus
High school sweethearts, line up
Not tryna waste my time
High school sweethearts, shut up
If you're not my type
High school sweethearts, line up
Not tryna waste my time
High school sweethearts, shut up
If you're not my type