Meaning of "Curious" by Hayley Kiyoko

The lyrics of "Curious" by Hayley Kiyoko explore the emotions and thoughts of someone who is curious about their ex's new relationship. The narrator admits to needing a drink, hinting at the pain they are feeling and their desire to numb it. They express that they can handle things, but deep down, they wish their ex would handle the situation differently. The narrator wonders about their ex's activities and the person who is now loving them. It is evident that the narrator is feeling insecure and hurt by their ex's actions. They mention looking through texts and photos, suggesting that they are trying to gather information and make sense of the new relationship. However, they reassure themselves that they can handle it, even though it is clear that it still affects them deeply. The narrator questions their ex's actions, particularly if they took their new partner to places that hold significance in their past relationship. The specific mention of the pier in Santa Monica indicates a special memory they shared. They question the seriousness of their ex's new relationship, hoping that it is not as strong as what they once had. The lyrics reveal the narrator's longing for clarification and perhaps a chance to rekindle their connection. The repetition of the phrase "the way I used to" emphasizes the narrator's yearning for their ex and the way things were between them. Overall, the song explores themes of curiosity, insecurity, and longing for a past love.