Meaning of I never would've played so nonchalant

In Taylor Swift's song titled "Come Back...Be Here," the lyrics delve into the emotions and complexities of longing for someone who is physically distant. The overall theme revolves around missing someone deeply and yearning for their presence. The line, "I never would've played so nonchalant," adds an interesting layer to the song, highlighting the theme from an unexpected angle.The phrase "played so nonchalant" suggests that the narrator's initial approach to the relationship lacked sincerity. It implies that they may have been casual or indifferent towards the person they are missing. However, the line also reveals a sense of regret and self-reflection. The narrator realizes that if they had known how deeply they would come to miss this person, they would not have been so nonchalant.Through this line, the song explores the idea that sometimes we don't recognize the significance of someone's presence until they are no longer around. It touches upon the notion that we often fail to appreciate what we have until it's gone. The narrator's regret gives depth to the song, showcasing the vulnerability and honesty that often come with distance and separation.Further, this line can be interpreted as a reflection on personal growth and maturity. The narrator acknowledges their past actions and recognizes that they have evolved since then. It signifies a realization that they could have handled the relationship differently and expresses a desire to rectify their previous nonchalant behavior.Another possible theme that emerges from this line could be the act of defense mechanisms. Sometimes, when faced with the fear of getting hurt or abandoned, people adopt a nonchalant attitude as a protective shield. By keeping their emotions at bay, they believe they can prevent themselves from getting hurt. However, as the song suggests, this defense mechanism can backfire, leaving them with unanswered questions and feelings of longing.Expanding upon this theme, the line could be seen as an exploration of vulnerability and the fear of intimacy. The narrator acknowledges that their nonchalant behavior was a defense mechanism to shield themselves from emotional pain. However, with the distance and separation, they have come to realize that playing it cool only hindered their connection and prevented them from fully experiencing the depth of their emotions.Ultimately, the themes of regret, personal growth, defense mechanisms, and vulnerability all tie back to the overarching idea of longing for someone who is physically distant. The song delves into the complexities of emotions surrounding distance, separation, and the yearning for someone's presence. Through the line, "I never would've played so nonchalant," Taylor Swift captures a moment of self-reflection, regret, and the realization that we often fail to appreciate someone until they're no longer here.