I discovered Olivia Dean in early 2024 through an Instagram reel of her performing 'Dive.' Since then, she's become a staple in my go-to playlist. I love listening to good music, and honestly, sometimes I'm not too concerned about the lyrics, I'm just in it for the jam and the vibes. But Ms. Dean really makes you want to pay attention to her words.
I love Dive, Reason To Stay, Float, Be My Own Boyfriend and Password Change. That's why when she announced that she'll be releasing a new album, The Art Of Loving, I was instantly seated.
I think she first released 'Man I Need' and 'Lady Lady' (if i am not mistaken) from the The Art Of Loving album and I instantly loved it. That's why when the full abum was released, i took time to really listen to it. I fell in love with the song 'Let Alone The One You Love' and 'A Couple Minutes' which are the songs that I feel was really written for me. Every lyrics felt like we lived in the same situation!
Let Alone The One You Love
It's too much to mend You're the hug that had to end Though I've tried to hold on And if you knew me at all You wouldn't try to keep me small Who would do that to a friend Let alone the one you love?
For me, this song feels like letting go. A year ago, I was in a situation where I was fighting for my place in someone's life. I didn't want to let go because I was terrified where to go from there. What would happen to me? I'm scared to be alone. Even though it's hurting me, I was willing to hold on because I don't want to lose everything we had. It's true that the people we love the most are the people who can hurt us the most.
And any choice you had worth making I'd push you to take it No questions asked, no doubt in mind But when they're mine, yeah You react like I'm crossing a line I'm too much to handle and just dial it back a bit Well, well, I'm not having it, babe
This part of the song really took hold of me. This was exactly what I had to endure in that situation. Every plans, every choice that person has, I supported it with my all even if it hurts me. Why? Because I loved the person. But when it's my turn to tell my plans, to make a decision, I was shut down. Suddenly, I was too much.
A Couple Minutes
I guess we've found a silver lining I'm glad you're doing so well If only you could see how I've been If I'm being real, you know it ain't been the same We could talk if we want now I already know it's no good for me
It's alright, think I'm fine with the silence There's some good in goodbyes
Back on your sofa Of course, I still care Love's never wasted When it's shared, mm, mm And although it's over I'll always be there Only have a couple minutes, guess we're going back to real life
Thank God for turning points and realizations! I can finally say that I am free from that situation, from that feeling. The redirection was not easy but it's all worth it. I would always care about the person but not the same as before. I can now face it without the fear of getting attached again. Of being left behind again. Because I know it's not good for me anymore. That phase of my life is now over. And it's so freeing. I am free. :'))) That's the silver lining in all of it.
Thank you, Olivia Dean! I love you and your songs so much! Thank you for making music I know lots of people can relate to. Especially those who were like me that are not good in expressing what they are feeling. To more wonderful songs! <3












