The song "Library Card" by J. Maya tells the story of a person's journey through life and their struggles with feeling different and excluded. At the age of seven, the narrator asks their parents for a library card, seeking solace in books instead of social interactions. Books become their escape and protection. As the narrator grows older, they realize that the magic and comfort they found in books cannot last forever. At twenty-one, they reflect on their life and how they haven't found their way to the next chapter. They accept the flaws within themselves, represented by "paper cuts along these jagged sheets," and acknowledge that there might not be a happy ending for them. The song then explores the narrator's experience with love, where they set high expectations, but are met with disappointment. They feel that they don't fit the idealized image of a love interest. The reality of not being like the girls in books sets in, causing them to hide. The chorus emphasizes that the narrator's idea of happy endings is overrated and that they have become accustomed to getting hurt. They find solace in their own little universe, where they can avoid the pain of reality. As the song progresses, the dreams and wishes of the narrator fade away, and they grasp the truth that their idealized version of life can never be achieved. They continue to seek comfort in their own little universe. In the final chorus, the narrator questions why, even though they have reached an age where life is supposed to start, they still feel like a disaster. They accept their identity as a "poorly adapted literary freak" and acknowledge the absence of a happily ever after. Overall, "Library Card" portrays a sense of longing, disillusionment, and the struggle to find one's place in a world that feels different from the stories one immerses themselves in. It reflects the complexities of identity, acceptance, and the need for escape from the challenges of life.
