Candid
JJ Lyrics

In "Candid," jj captures the enduring nature of emotions that persist despite the passage of time. The opening lines, "Months have come and they've gone away / But these feelings stay inside," underscore a sense of nostalgia and longing that accompanies the singer's unresolved feelings for someone important to them. The imagery of time passing represents the inevitability of change that comes with life; however, in stark contrast, the feelings described remain constant and unyielding. The singer also expresses a weariness from holding onto these feelings, suggesting that, while seasons shift and life progresses, the heart remains tethered to a past relationship or unexpressed love. This tension between the passage of time and static emotion creates a poignant backdrop for the rest of the song, emphasizing the weight of unspoken feelings.

The singer reflects on the signs of their attraction and the comfort of familiarity in the line "Cause I'd rather stay by your side / And keep it with the comfortable / And what I know." Here, the notion of comfort becomes paramount; it implies that relationships often thrive in environments of familiarity, where vulnerability may be kept at bay. The singer acknowledges a potential for a more authentic connection, one that could unearth deeper emotions, but chooses instead to maintain a safe emotional distance. This reveals a common human tendency to cling to what is known and safe, even in situations where the heart longs for deeper engagement. There’s an implicit recognition that vulnerability carries risks that can potentially alter the relationship’s dynamics, a concern that adds layers to the singer's internal conflict.

The song continues to explore the singer’s struggle with their feelings, embodying a juxtaposition between desire and fear. "Rather have you at a distance / Than admit to all these feelings," illustrates a paradoxical choice of keeping this emotional distance rather than confronting and potentially disrupting the equilibrium of their current relationship. The singer feels an overwhelming emotional response that is described as "butterflies," a classic symbol of nervous anticipation often tied to romantic feelings. Yet, despite the intense emotions coursing inside, the inability to articulate these thoughts creates a barrier. The singer's reluctance is further emphasized with phrases like "can't even look in your direction," reflecting a deep-rooted fear of vulnerability associated with confessing their feelings. This portrays a relatable tension many face when grappling with strong emotions—knowing that deeper emotional expressions can lead to significant changes or consequences in relationships.

As the song comes full circle, the reiteration of "Months have come and they've gone away / But these feelings stay inside" serves as a poignant reminder that time does not necessarily lead to greater clarity or resolution. Instead, it highlights the weight of unspoken words and feelings that linger beneath the surface. The singer's internal struggle resonates with anyone who has experienced the complexity of love—acknowledging deep feelings while simultaneously battling the fear of how those feelings should be communicated. Ultimately, "Candid" encapsulates a universal dilemma in love and relationships—the longing for connection amidst the fear of vulnerability, and the choice between maintaining a comfortable emotional distance or risking everything for an authentic relationship that could change everything. It is this tension that gives the song its emotional depth, emphasizing that while feelings may endure, the journey of navigating those feelings can be fraught with uncertainty.