Meaning of "Ex's & Oh's" by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox

The lyrics of "Ex's & Oh's" by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox explore the narrator's experiences with past relationships and the repetitive patterns that emerge. The verse reveals that she had a transformative effect on her ex-boyfriend, helping him grow and understand things he previously didn't. However, despite her efforts, she eventually let him go and moved on to find a better lover. This showcases her awareness of her own worth and her ability to seek out what she truly deserves.

The next stanza introduces another romantic encounter, a summer lover in New Orleans. While she was able to keep him warm during the winter, their relationship ultimately froze and ended with the changing of the seasons. This epitomizes the transient nature of her relationships and how she experiences the highs of love and the lows of heartbreak.

The chorus reinforces the theme of her exes constantly running back to her, underscoring her desirability and the allure she holds over them. However, despite their desire to return, they always fail to commit and end up leaving once more. This pattern creates a sense of frustration and bewilderment for the narrator, as she is left wondering why her exes continually return only to repeat the same cycle.

The repeated mention of "ex's and oh's" portrays her exes as haunting her, similar to ghosts. They continue to linger in her thoughts and memories, symbolizing the emotional baggage and unresolved issues that come with past relationships. The desire for her exes to make her "O" represents their longing for her to make them whole, to fulfill their needs and desires. However, they never truly let go, perpetuating the cycle of pursuit and abandonment.

Overall, "Ex's & Oh's" delves into the complexities of past relationships and the recurring patterns that can emerge. It highlights the narrator's self-awareness, her ability to seek out what she deserves, and the frustrations that arise from consistently dealing with exes who fail to fully commit.