The song "Heart Rate & Dopamine" by Jon Bryant explores the emotional journey of a person who is struggling with their feelings for someone who is unavailable. The protagonist feels disconnected from themselves and their usual confident and assertive nature. They are aware that the person they are interested in is involved with someone else, which creates a sense of longing and frustration. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist has had previous encounters with this person, as indicated by the line, "I know you got my number, cause I put it in your phone when you left it in the backseat on that night I drove you home." This implies that they have a history together and have shared intimate moments. The protagonist regrets not expressing their true feelings earlier, as stated in the lines, "I regret never saying how I felt, never saying how I felt." Their silence has led to a sense of missed opportunities and a longing to have been more open about their emotions. The chorus of the song describes the intense impact the person has on the protagonist. They feel a strong physical and emotional response, as if their breath is being held, their heart is pounding, and their veins are flooded with chemicals. The use of the phrases "holding my breath" and "flooding my veins with chemicals in my head" suggests that their attraction to this person is both exhilarating and overwhelming. The verse, "Trying to look like I'm not trying, but it's hard to hide, I kinda like it. You turn the keys of my heart-rate and dopamine," showcases the struggle the protagonist faces in trying to appear unaffected by their feelings. Despite their efforts to suppress their emotions, they find themselves drawn to this person and find pleasure in the intensity of their connection. The mention of heart-rate and dopamine reflects the biological and chemical response happening within their body in response to their attraction. The song's bridge introduces a change in perspective, with the protagonist now receiving communication from the person they desire. The line, "Finally heard from you like a messiah in the room," describes the overwhelming relief and anticipation they feel upon hearing from this person. The protagonist is willing to go to great lengths to be in their presence, even expressing a willingness to fly to different cities just to sit across from them. The song ends with the line, "Now I'm not gonna tell you to stop, keep it coming, close the blinds and unplug the clocks, tied up in knots." This suggests that despite the complexities and potential challenges, the protagonist is willing to continue pursuing this connection. They are willing to embrace the uncertainty and intensity of their feelings for this person, even if it means being entangled in emotional knots. Overall, "Heart Rate & Dopamine" portrays the conflicted emotions and vulnerabilities that arise when one develops feelings for someone who is unattainable. It explores the uncertainty, longing, and intense physical and emotional reactions that come with unrequited love.
