The song "Crush" by The Horrible Crowes tells a story of unrequited love and longing. The lyrics depict a narrator who is deeply infatuated with someone, referred to as "you" throughout the song. The opening verse suggests that the narrator is willing to take care of the person they have feelings for, regardless of any financial burden. They express a willingness to provide support, stating they have a long tab of expenses and are ready to wait all night for them. There is a sense of imbalance in the narrator's life, with more downs than ups. The chorus introduces the idea that the narrator knows a secret about everyone, pertaining to who goes to heaven or hell. This could be interpreted as a metaphorical statement about their deep understanding of others' intentions and actions. The narrator also expresses that they have never kept a secret, emphasizing their desire to be open and honest. The next verse describes the person of their affections as someone who is sought after by many. The imagery of being a dream and being desired by others on the schoolyard highlights their attractiveness and desirability. The fire in the person's breast and the narrator's brain symbolizes the passion and intensity of their connection. Their touch leaves lasting impressions, represented by the lines on the windowpane. The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the narrator's knowledge of secrets and their crush on the person they sing about. The final part of the song introduces a spiritual element, using the metaphor of "troubling the water." This phrase is often associated with stirring up emotions or making a situation turbulent. The narrator acknowledges the ups and downs they experience in life and suggests that even if the person they desire goes somewhere before them (possibly implying death), they will follow. The repetition of this section emphasizes the narrator's devotion. Overall, "Crush" is a melancholic and yearning song that explores themes of unrequited love, longing, and devotion. The lyrics paint a picture of someone deeply infatuated, but unsure if their feelings will ever be reciprocated.
