The song "The One I Crave" by Christina Grimmie tells the story of a girl who has had several romantic encounters with different boys, but she cannot forget the first one who captured her heart. In the first verse, she describes meeting a boy named James who initially brings happiness into her life. However, his popularity with other girls leads her to erase him from her world, indicating that she wants to move on. The second verse introduces another boy named Pete, who is cute and shy. Although she is intrigued by him, their relationship lacks depth as he never fully engages with her emotionally. She eventually decides to end things with Pete. The chorus expresses her frustration with her dating experiences. She feels stuck with the disappointing and unreliable John, yet she still longs for the first boy who got away. Despite her efforts to move on, she can't forget him and her feelings for him remain strong. In the second verse, the girl becomes interested in a popular football player who is considered a dream catch. However, their conversations lack substance and he seems more focused on his athletic career. This further highlights her longing for her first love. The bridge acknowledges the small-town environment in which she lives, where rumors spread quickly. She expresses her desire for a meaningful connection, but so far, her experiences with James, Pete, and the football player have failed to fulfill her emotional needs. None of them can compare to the first boy, John, whom she still desires. Overall, "The One I Crave" explores the theme of longing for a past love and the difficulty of moving on from a significant relationship. The song conveys the protagonist's frustration and her search for a deep connection with someone who can truly capture her heart.
