what I love about august is that despite the poignant lyrics and longing, there's a hopeful element to it. the song starts with her yearning for what could have been, explaining how she knew this romance was fleeting but she wanted more from it #Folklore

that's until we hit the bridge, or the crescendo, where everything spills out, the frustration and realisation that she's hanging onto something that will never truly be hers.

'so much for summer love and saying us 'cause you weren't mine to lose.' she's coming to terms with all the lies she was told and the false hope.

she then come back with the chorus with almost a renewed chirp?? as if she's as ease now, looking back with fondness now that she's decided to let go.

She went from wanting, to accepting to eventually moving on. even the lyrics 'Cancel plans just in case you'd call' from the bridge became 'Remember when I pulled up and said "Get in the car" and then canceled my plans.'

The same with the lyrics 'back when I was living for the hope of it'. The past tense shows her moving on from this summer love after the bridge gave her some clarity. She still looks back, reminiscing about the brief time they had because that love left its mark on her.

It's also why i love the extended ending, how hopeful it is and giving you that sense of letting go. It's so fitting for the story she's told. It might not seem it but this song is so layered - the lyrics, melodies and choice of words. I honestly couldn't love this song more.

wow, I really gave this a lot of thought and let it consume me stan august