Meaning of "Into You" by Julia Michaels

The lyrics of "Into You" by Julia Michaels convey the emotional struggle of moving on from a past relationship. The narrator reveals their longing for someone who is no longer in their life, highlighting the difficulty of letting go. The mention of their favorite restaurant and Santa Monica signifies the places that hold significant memories of their time together. The line "what you're doin' now" suggests that the narrator still keeps tabs on their ex-lover, unable to completely detach themselves.

The desire to move to a different state or country reflects the hope that changing their environment would provide a fresh start, away from reminders of the past relationship. The mention of shared friends underscores the challenge of fully disconnecting from the person, as the narrator wishes they didn't have so many mutual connections. This not only poses a reminder of the past but also limits their ability to move forward.

The repeated line "So I don't run right into you" conveys the narrator's fear and vulnerability. They don't want to face their ex-lover unexpectedly and possibly fall into old patterns or rekindle feelings. The avoidance of running into the person demonstrates their attempt to protect themselves and maintain distance.

The mention of missed birthdays emphasizes the sacrifices the narrator has made to avoid their ex-lover. It signifies the lengths they have gone to avoid potential encounters and the ongoing impact of their decision to keep their distance. However, despite their efforts, the narrator still expresses a conflict between their desire to avoid the person and their inner longing for them.

Overall, "Into You" explores the internal struggle of longing for someone while simultaneously trying to move on. It captures the complexities of navigating the aftermath of a relationship and showcases the conflicting emotions of loss, longing, and self-preservation.