Analysing Gracie Abrams’ New Deluxe Album “The Secret Of Us” and Applying It to My Own Life
Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams recently released the deluxe version of her album, “The Secret Of Us,” and it is absolutely phenomenal. Without a doubt, it will be top of my Spotify Wrapped this year.
Gracie is one of my favourite artists, and I’m lucky enough to have tickets with two of my best friends to her Dublin concert. So, when I got the chance to write this article, I jumped at it. Dream job alert!
Buckle in because I’m about to analyse the lyricism and meaning behind each of her songs (why can’t I be this passionate about a college essay?!). One major thought I had while doing this: “Good God, can she write a bridge!” Before we start, let’s talk about the word “situationship.” If you’re lucky enough not to have come across it, it basically means having a romantic relationship where you do all the typical couple things—but without a label. If you haven’t listened to the album yet, grab your headphones. You’ll smile, laugh, dance, and cry, but most importantly, you won’t be disappointed. Let’s dive in…
“Felt Good About You” This opening track perfectly sets the tone for what’s to come. It reminds me of the delusion that comes with a situationship—when you’re hopeful it’ll work out until the penny drops and you realise they’re actually a bad person. “There were nights I skipped out sleepin’ cause of you” hit me hard. Situationships often mean staying up just for a bit of attention, only to regret the lost sleep later.
“Risk” One of my favourites, “Risk” captures the age of online dating and meeting people through apps. “God, I’m actually invested, haven’t even met him” sums up how easy it is to create a perfect version of someone in your head before even meeting them. The lyrics “in my head you’re in the car and you’re coming to me…” perfectly depict the way we romanticise people we barely know.
“Blowing Smoke” There’s always that one guy you can’t fully get over. Even if you don’t want him, no one else can have him either. “Tell me is she prettier than she was on the internet?” captures the unhealthy habit of stalking someone’s new partner online. The lyric “if she’s got a pulse, she meets your standards now”? Absolutely chilling.
“I Love You, I’m Sorry” This song reminds me of the “guy you meet at 19” theory that’s been all over TikTok. If you haven’t read about it yet, grab tissues. “I’ll make it known like I’m getting paid” captures the way heartbreak makes you want to tell your side of the story to anyone who will listen. When you still love someone, you’ll do anything to get them back—even apologise when you shouldn’t.
“Us.” (Feat. Taylor Swift) As an avid Swiftie, you can imagine my excitement for this collab—and it did not disappoint. “Us.” is about regret, and I also think it applies to friendships. The lyric “What seemed like fate, give it ten months and you’ll be past it” is now my gospel truth. Time really does heal all wounds, even the ones that feel impossible in the moment.
“Let It Happen” This song has been my life for the past year. “I’m a walking contradiction” describes how you can swear you’re over someone, only to see them and be back at square one. The bridge is gut-wrenching: “Knowing you’re probably out somewhere, while I’m in my underwear, eating through my feelings.” A painfully accurate portrayal of heartbreak.
“Tough Love” I LOVE my friends. This song makes me appreciate my female friendships even more. “No chance I’d waste my twenties on random men, not one of them is cooler/smarter/tougher than all my friends.” If soulmates exist, this song proves they can be your best friends, too.
“I Knew It, I Know You” Two words: friendship breakup. “We don’t even know each other now” is heartbreaking. You used to know every little detail about each other, and now? Nothing. “I cheered the loudest when you won your trophies”—and now they’re just someone on your Instagram feed.
“Gave You I Gave You I” This song is about the pain of realising you gave too much of yourself to a relationship. “Gave you my best days, gave you the deep pain”—ouch. If you ever find yourself over-analysing a past relationship, my advice is simple: think of the good times, but know your worth.
“Normal Thing” “You were great, what a show, but I don’t recommend”—Gracie really said relationships are like bad movies. Growing up with idealistic portrayals of romance in media can make you doubt whether your own relationships are “normal.” But what even is normal?
“Good Luck Charlie” This song oozes regret. Is the “good luck” genuine, or is it passive-aggressive? I think Gracie leaves it open to interpretation.
“Free Now” Not all breakups are purely bad. “And I hope you know I don’t think you’re a bad guy”—Gracie reflects on what could have been. “Every page that I wrote, you were on it”—even if it didn’t work out, the experience still shaped you.
“Close To You” This song is for the hopeless romantics, the ones who get butterflies over the smallest interactions. “Break my heart and start a fire, you got me overnight”—you know it’s not realistic, but you don’t care.
“Cool” “Cool” is for the girls who pretend everything is fine when it’s very much not. “You thought we wouldn’t talk”—classic. We always find out.
“That’s So True” This song is basically “Taste” by Sabrina Carpenter in a different font. “I am always obsessed with the girl after me”—Gracie, get out of my head. The bridge has been stuck in mine (and everyone else’s) since its release.
“I Told You Things” There’s nothing worse than opening up to someone and then watching them pull away. “I told you things that I never said, you’re the golden boy and my worst regret”—Gracie perfectly captures that feeling of vulnerability and disappointment.
“Packing It Up” This song is for my college friends. I don’t know how I lived before them, and I know they’d answer my calls no matter what time it is. “I hope that you get everything you could ask for”—a song about love, but this time, the platonic kind.
I hope you enjoyed my breakdown of Gracie’s album! If you’re heading to her concert, share your outfit with us!