Released: 2012
Okay then, let’s dive into “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen. It’s a pop ditty full of hope, wistful thinking, and a fresh take on the age-old theme of unrequited love.
The song begins with Carly tossing a wish in a well, a clear allusion to the age-old tradition of making wishes by throwing coins into water bodies. The line “Don’t ask me, I’ll never tell” highlights the secrecy enveloping her wish. However, when she says “I looked to you as it fell” we get a clue – her wish, the person it’s about, and her love interest are all intertwined.
Next, she paints a picture of a flirty encounter. “Ripped jeans, skin was showin,” and “Hot night, wind was blowing,” points towards a summer flirtation which is casual, yet intense. The words “Where you think you’re going, baby?” drip with anticipation, suggesting this love is still just a touch out of reach.
As for the chorus, “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy” continues to show Jepsen’s optimism and spontaneity. She’s laying all her cards on the table, offering her number with a “call me, maybe”. This catchy phrase speaks to the uncertainty and thrill that comes with new love; it’s adventurous, a bit risky, but oh so exciting.
Moving to the second verse, the lines “You took your time with the call” & “I took no time with the fall” show contrasting reactions. He’s indifferent while Carly falls head over heels. Ah, the classic dynamics of teenage love!
And finally, we get to the bittersweet confession of “Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad.” You might blink and wonder, “Wait, how can you miss someone you’ve never met?” Jepsen’s point here is how, sometimes, we yearn for the one we’re destined to meet, even though they’re still a stranger to us. So, despite the uncertainty of the reciprocation of her feelings, Carly is sure of her love.
So there you have it! A journey through Carly Rae Jepsen’s love-struck anthem “Call Me Maybe”. I hope this breakdown helped you to appreciate this pop masterpiece in a fresh light.
