"Julien" by Carly Rae Jepsen is a song about longing and nostalgia for a past love. The song expresses the feelings of heartbreak and the overwhelming memories that haunt the narrator. The lyrics describe waking up every morning and feeling the weight of the blues, as the pain of losing the person they loved continues to linger. The narrator reflects on a bad dream where their lover was running away, symbolizing their inability to let go and move on. The memories of their time together haunt the narrator endlessly. In the chorus, the narrator reveals that they were asked to leave with their lover but could never make a decision. They have been torn and emotionally distant ever since, unable to forget their time together. Every night, they pray for the day their lover will come back, as they have been living solely for that moment. The name "Julien" is used metaphorically throughout the song, representing the person they lost. The narrator refers to Julien as if they were still present, believing that Julien must know the depth of their love. The repetition of Julien's name emphasizes their longing and never-ending attachment. The verses also touch upon the narrator's attempts to fill the void left by Julien. They have tried being with someone else, but the memories and emotions associated with Julien continue to dominate their thoughts. The colors and moments shared with Julien are still vivid in their mind, surpassing mere romantic connections. The repetition of the chorus and the mention of Julien's name throughout the song signifies the narrator's desperation to hold onto the memories and the hope of being reunited someday, even until their last breath. They will continue to whisper Julien's name, displaying their enduring love and dedication. Overall, "Julien" captures the bittersweet essence of nostalgia and the lingering emotions of a past love that continue to affect the narrator's life.
