The speaker expresses that they used to hide and cry a lot, but no longer do so because of someone special. Despite being only barely friends and not fitting the traditional narrative of star-crossed lovers, the speaker is content as long as this person is in their life.

Meaning of "Hardly Star-Crossed Lovers" by Black

The lyrics of "Hardly Star-Crossed Lovers" by Black explore the transformative power of love and the importance of finding happiness in unexpected places. The speaker acknowledges their past struggles and emotional pain, but emphasizes the positive impact that this person has had on their life. The repeated emphasis on the individual's smile symbolizes the joy and light they bring into the speaker's world. The acceptance of their non-traditional relationship status as "barely friends" and "hardly star-crossed lovers" challenges conventional ideas of romance, suggesting that true happiness can be found outside of societal norms. Overall, the song celebrates the idea that love, in whatever form it may take, has the ability to bring warmth, light, and contentment into one's life.