“Big Little Lies” by Demi Lovato - Lyrics Explained
For context, a “cushion cut” is a style of diamond ring (it took me a while to figure out this line since the Genius lyrics are incorrect). This song is about Demi’s ex, Wilmer Valderrama, and his engagement to Amanda Pacheco on December 21, 2019, news of which came as a shock to Demi as they found out about it through the news. Demi and Wilmer were together for over six years and while he allegedly claimed he’d propose to Demi someday, ultimately Wilmer never did. To “put something on ice” is to postpone something, which is what Wilmer did for years with Demi, thus Demi accusing him of “meaning it at the time” when he said he wanted to be with them forever, but ultimately being a “liar” as he never ended up proposing.
The line “cushion cut it was the deepest” is a play on words, as “cushion cut” is the type of engagement ring and the line implies that Wilmer’s proposal to Amanda was what “cut” Demi deepest. Demi also references Wilmer being “anointed,” using “finger-pointing” and “preaching,” which implies that Wilmer had a strong religious nature that he preached but was ultimately a hypocrite as he didn’t live an honest life. Demi references attempting to save their “soul” as well, which I believe is nod to their sobriety and how challenging maintaining that has been. I don’t know the *exact* details here of what they are referencing, but that’s what it seems to be implying, and the song is clearly very personal and targeted.
While Demi has always publicly spoken highly of Wilmer, this song reveals a darker side to their relationship. According to the lyrics, he might’ve shamed them for their addictions and acted as a bad friend, which makes sense with what we know as he was often spotting out drinking and partying with Nick Jonas while he and Demi were together and has been rumored to have cheated on Demi several times (the song “Stone Cold” is also about Wilmer and his alleged cheating).
The track, produced by OAK, was recorded for Demi’s seventh studio but ultimately scrapped. It leaked in November 2021.
Here are my transcribed lyrics:
