Molly
Haley Joelle Lyrics

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I watch my friends all graduate
They're getting jobs in different states
I haven't seen 'em since the day
I moved out to LA
They did college right after high school
My parents never made that rule
They probably think that I'm not cool
For not doing the same

As the years go by
I wipe the tears and try
Not to let it get me down
Cuz they don't get it
Just like how
My mom calls me Molly
Even though it's not my name
No one understands it
But some things you can't explain
Of all the things to call me
Nothing feels the same
We've always done things differently
But I turned out okay, I'd say
I wouldn't have it any other way
When I was born my mom and dad
Were dating but it didn't last
You'd think that it would hurt real bad
When I was growing up
But I never lived in different homes
Cuz through it all they still stayed close
I know it don't make sense to most
But it made sense to us
As the years go by
It might sound weird but I
Never let it get me down
You might not get it
Just like how
My mom calls me Molly
Even though it's not my name
No one understands it
But some things you can't explain
Of all the things to call me
Nothing feels the same
We've always done things differently
But I turned out okay, I'd say

I wouldn't have it any other way
I wouldn't have it any other way

Overall Meaning

In Haley Joelle's song "Molly," the lyrics depict the singer's unique journey and the ways in which she has deviated from the traditional path followed by her friends and society's expectations. The song begins by acknowledging that while her friends are graduating and pursuing jobs in different states, she made the decision to move to LA, which resulted in losing touch with them. However, she doesn't regret her choices and doesn't let it bring her down.

The lyrics also touch upon the singer's unconventional family background. Her parents were only dating when she was born, and their relationship did not last. Despite this, the singer shares that she didn't have to experience living in separate homes because her parents remained close. While this may seem confusing to outsiders, it made sense to her and her family.

The recurring theme in the song revolves around the singer's nickname, Molly, given to her by her mother. Although it's not her real name, it represents the bond and connection she shares with her mother. The use of this nickname symbolizes the singer's individuality and how she embraces being different. She reflects that not everyone may understand it, but some things cannot be explained.

Overall, "Molly" celebrates the singer's unique journey, her choices, and the love and understanding within her family. It conveys a sense of pride in marching to the beat of her own drum and not conforming to societal norms.

Line by Line Meaning

I watch my friends all graduate
I observe my friends completing their education and moving on to the next phase of their lives

They're getting jobs in different states
They are finding employment opportunities in various regions

I haven't seen 'em since the day
I haven't met them in person since the time

I moved out to LA
I relocated to Los Angeles

They did college right after high school
They pursued higher education immediately after graduating from high school

My parents never made that rule
My parents never enforced that expectation

They probably think that I'm not cool
They might perceive me as less trendy or appealing

For not doing the same
Because I chose not to follow the same path

As the years go by
As time passes

I wipe the tears and try
I remove the tears and make an effort

Not to let it get me down
To prevent it from causing me sadness or discouragement

Cuz they don't get it
Because they are unable to comprehend

Just like how
Similar to how

My mom calls me Molly
My mother refers to me as Molly

Even though it's not my name
Despite the fact that it's not my actual name

No one understands it
Nobody comprehends the reason behind it

But some things you can't explain
However, certain things cannot be rationalized or justified

Of all the things to call me
Out of all the possible names to address me with

Nothing feels the same
Nothing evokes the same emotions or sensations

We've always done things differently
We have consistently approached situations in a unique manner

But I turned out okay, I'd say
However, I achieved a satisfactory outcome, I would argue

I wouldn't have it any other way
I wouldn't prefer it to be any different

When I was born my mom and dad
During the time of my birth, my mother and father

Were dating but it didn't last
Were in a romantic relationship, but it didn't endure

You'd think that it would hurt real bad
One might assume that it would cause significant pain

When I was growing up
During my formative years

But I never lived in different homes
However, I never resided in separate residences

Cuz through it all they still stayed close
Because, despite everything, they remained emotionally connected

I know it don't make sense to most
I am aware that it is incomprehensible to most people

But it made sense to us
However, it was logical and understandable for us

You might not get it
You may not understand it