Here’s the genius of it. The singer lists all the tiny, obsessive things you do when you’re head-over-heels. He uses a very specific list to prove his point. “I don’t lie awake at night thinking of you.” Okay, pal, why did you just mention it?
It’s like saying “I’m totally fine” while actively eating ice cream straight from the tub. The music is so soft and vulnerable. It’s the audio equivalent of a turtleneck sweater you wear because it smells like them. You’re not fooling anyone, 10cc.
The Genius of the Grocery List
My favorite part is when he mentions the grocery list. Yes, a grocery list. “I don’t write your name on the grocery list.” Whoa. Calm down, Casanova. That is such a weirdly specific denial that it becomes a confession.
Tate McRae - No I'm not in love (Lyrics) - YouTube
If you have to clarify you aren’t adding someone’s name to your shopping list, you are absolutely planning meals around them. You’re buying their favorite cereal. You’re a disaster. A beautiful, melodramatic disaster.
The backing vocals are a choir of angels whispering "big boys don't cry." Which is hilarious. This entire song is one big cry. A very polite, British, "I’m fine" cry. But a cry nonetheless.
