Meaning of "I've Been Good" by Cassadee Pope

The song "I've Been Good" by Cassadee Pope delves into the aftermath of a breakup, where the protagonist pretends to be okay even though they are hurting inside. The lyrics reveal a sense of denial and suppression of emotions, as the protagonist puts up a front of being "good" by engaging in behaviors like drinking whiskey and staying busy. This facade is a defense mechanism to avoid confronting the pain of the breakup and the struggle of moving on. The repetition of the phrase "I've been good" throughout the song highlights the disconnect between the outward appearance and internal turmoil. The protagonist tries to convince themselves and others of their wellbeing, but deep down, they are struggling to cope with the loss. Ultimately, "I've Been Good" explores the complexity of healing from a broken heart and the difficulty of facing one's true emotions after a significant relationship ends.