"Petty" by Emma Blackery is a song about a failed romantic relationship and the aftermath of a breakup. The lyrics convey the frustration and hurt that the singer feels towards their ex-boyfriend. The song starts with the singer expressing their attempt to write a song about their ex, possibly to retaliate or bring them down. However, they acknowledge that their ex dislikes them now because of where they are in life. The chorus references the ex's derogatory remarks. The line "You used to call me pretty 'til you took out the 'r'" suggests that the ex used to call the singer beautiful or attractive, but now they call them petty. The singer questions whether the ex is angry because they wrote songs about the heartbreak caused by the ex. In the second verse, the singer brings up the fact that their ex has removed them from their phone contacts. They also mention that the ex still lives with their parents, possibly implying that the ex has not moved on since the breakup. The singer further emphasizes that the ex doesn't want to see them anymore but enjoys talking about their past relationship. The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the change in how the ex now sees the singer. The line "girl, you couldn't be more petty than you already are" suggests that the ex accuses the singer of being petty, even though they themselves are acting the same way. The bridge of the song takes a slightly different tone. The singer sarcastically mentions how their ex-boyfriend can benefit from the song since it will generate attention and allow him access to press shots and parties. The singer also admits that they don't hate their ex but miss their mother's dinners more than they miss the ex. Overall, "Petty" is a song that reflects the bitterness and frustration one experiences after a breakup. The lyrics convey a mix of anger, sarcasm, and vulnerability, expressing the singer's feelings towards their ex-boyfriend.
