"Gatlin's song Curly Hair" seems to be exploring themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics suggest a sense of disconnect and searching for validation. The opening lines, "I light matches off my teeth, Just to feel something, And I love Jesus, but he's busy upstairs, And I'm a first-world nothing," portray a feeling of emptiness and a desire for some kind of sensation or significance. The mention of Jesus hints at a possible struggle with religious beliefs and the singer's longing for a deeper connection. The next lines introduce a boy with curly hair who has caught the singer's eye. However, he is portrayed as someone who drinks excessively and doesn't make good use of his time. The line "June's a burden 'cause in June, He don't live in Tennessee" suggests there is distance or unavailability between the singer and this person. To compensate for this, the singer takes curves at 45, possibly suggesting they are driving recklessly to feel closer to the person in the metaphorical "shotgun seat" or to recreate the feeling of their presence. The following lines shift focus to the singer's desire for recognition or to have her name known. The idea of staring hard enough at strangers to make them learn her name reflects a longing to be seen and remembered. However, she also mentions being known as the girl with the bike who is "kinda insane," showing that she may be uncertain about her own identity and how others perceive her. The lyrics continue with the singer contemplating love as a choice. While unsure about it, she also expresses skepticism about the age and maturity of potential partners, finding the boys too young and the men too old. This suggests a struggle with finding a suitable romantic connection and questioning the authenticity of love. Overall, the song seems to convey a sense of restlessness and a longing for deeper connections in a world that can sometimes feel empty. The title, "Curly Hair," serves as a metaphor for the person who has caught the singer's attention and represents the longing for intimacy and meaning in life.
