"Apocalyptic Crush" is an unreleased song by Olivia Rodrigo, performed during an Instagram live session on May 8, 2020. The song showcases Rodrigo's signature blend of emotional depth and youthful angst, characteristic of her music style.
The song delves into themes of jealousy and rivalry in romantic relationships, with the narrator expressing confidence and possessiveness over a boy who is already claimed, while dismissing the rival as merely an 'apocalyptic crush.'
In the first verse, the narrator addresses a rival who is trying to win over a boy who is already in a relationship. The line "Yeah you must think you're funny / Calling him at 10 o'clock" sets a tone of sarcasm, indicating that the narrator sees through the rival's attempts to flirt. The narrator's confidence is evident as they assert that the boy does not find the rival attractive, suggesting a sense of superiority in their own relationship. The phrase "I know you see me / Do you think that you can win this game?" highlights the competitive nature of teenage love, where emotions run high and rivalries can feel like a game to be won.
The second verse continues this theme, with the narrator mocking the rival's behavior: "Yeah you must think you're so attractive / When you're playing dumb." This line conveys disdain for the rival's tactics, implying that their desperation is transparent. The narrator hopes the rival will "trip over the boundaries / That you step right over," which suggests a desire for the rival to fail in their pursuit, reinforcing the narrator's protective feelings towards the boy.
The pre-chorus shifts slightly, as the narrator acknowledges the rival's attempts: "But go ahead and shoot your shot / BG#y let me know how it goes." This line carries a tone of challenge, as if the narrator is inviting the rival to try, but with an underlying confidence that they will ultimately fail. The narrator's assertion that they know the boy better than the rival does adds to their sense of ownership in the relationship.
The chorus is the emotional climax of the song, where the narrator declares, "You're his apocalyptic crush / He'd like you only if there was / No one left on Earth." This metaphor of an 'apocalyptic crush' suggests that the rival's appeal is only relevant in a dire situation, emphasizing the narrator's belief that their connection with the boy is far more significant. The line "But he's mine until then" reinforces the narrator's possessiveness, while the imagery of kissing in the ashes paints a vivid picture of the rival's futility in the face of the narrator's unwavering claim on the boy's affections.
The concluding lines, "So hey, what are the chances / Of World War 3? / 'Cause he's never gonna like you / Like he likes me," encapsulate the song's playful yet confrontational tone. The narrator's confidence shines through, as they assert that the rival's chances of winning the boy's heart are slim to none, further solidifying the emotional stakes involved in this teenage rivalry. Overall, the song captures the intensity of young love, the complexities of jealousy, and the fierce protectiveness that often accompanies it.