Meaning of "Ex's & Oh's" by Elle King

The meaning behind Elle King's "Ex's & Oh's" revolves around the narrator's experience with past relationships. She starts by proudly proclaiming that she turned a boy into a man and showed him things he didn't understand, but ultimately let him go. This sets the groundwork for a pattern that repeats throughout the song. The narrator finds herself in relationships where the men are initially drawn to her and then compelled to return to her even after she has moved on. She takes pleasure in this power dynamic, asserting that she is the best they've ever had, yet they are never able to fully commit to her. The repeated phrase "Ex's and the oh's" symbolizes the lingering presence of past lovers and the emotional hold they have on the narrator. Despite the temporary satisfaction she gains from these relationships, she acknowledges that they come at the cost of heartbreak and emotional turmoil. The lyrics hint at the cyclical nature of her romantic experiences, as she mentions different locations (California, UK, New Orleans) where these relationships have occurred. Overall, the song explores themes of power, independence, and the complicated dynamics of modern relationships.