“That’s So True” appears on the deluxe edition of Gracie Abrams’s 2024 album, The Secret Of Us. Co-written with Audrey Hobert, Abrams describes the emotional turmoil that ensues when a romantic affair becomes hostile.
The folk song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features production from Julian Bunetta as well as The National’s Aaron Dessner. Apart from his band, Dessner’s woodsy production credits include Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Noah Kahan, Mumford & Sons, and others.
Rage Against the Ex
Abrams isn’t over her ex, and in the opening verse, the residual damage from the bitter breakup remains. Yet her partner has moved on, and Abrams wonders if he’s doing so out of spite.
I could go and read your mind,
Think about your dumb face all the time.
Living in your glass house, I’m outside, uh.
Looking into big blue eyes.
Did it just to hurt me, make me cry,
Smiling through it all, yeah, that’s my life.
Here, she tells the “idiot” ex that she’s going to warn his new girlfriend. Give her a heads-up about this bum.
You’re an idiot, now I’m sure,
Now I’m positive I should go and warn her.
The bitterness continues in the chorus. But Abrams’s hostility toward the new girl stems from the stinging heartbreak of having been replaced.
Ooh, bet you’re thinking, “She’s so cool.”
Kicking back on your couch, making eyes from across the room,
Wait, I think I’ve been there too, ooh.
The High Road Is Good in Theory
In the second verse, Abrams tries to take the high road. But it’s too painful, and instead, she gives in to cynicism and animosity.
What’d she do to get you off?
Taking down her hair like, oh, my God.
Taking off your shirt, I did that once or twice,
No, I know, I know I’ll f**k off.
But I think I like her; she’s so fun,
Wait, I think I hate her, I’m not that evolved,
I’m sorry.
Abrams’s breakup song does live up to its title. In “That’s So True”, the singer works through layers of hurt and resentment before she can finally move on. It’s a messy truth, but an honest one, nonetheless.
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