Meaning of Strawberries & Cigarettes by Troye Sivan

The overall theme of Troye Sivan's song 'Strawberries & Cigarettes' takes listeners on a journey of bittersweet nostalgia, longing, and the enduring power of memories. It explores the significance of certain moments in our lives and how they can be forever associated with specific sensations, people, or experiences. Through a delicate combination of vivid storytelling and emotional vulnerability, Sivan invites us to reflect upon the fleeting nature of relationships and the lingering impact they leave behind.One standout lyric that resonates deeply with the song's themes is: "Remember when we first met? You said, 'Light my cigarette,' so I lied to my mum and dad. I jumped the fence and I ran." This lyric symbolizes the excitement and impulsiveness of youth, where the protagonists' desire to be together overrides any concerns about consequences or rules. It introduces the idea that love and attraction can sometimes lead us to make rash decisions, whether they are of minor rebellions or significant life choices.Another poignant line that contributes to the song's narrative is: "But strawberries and cigarettes always taste like you." Here, strawberries and cigarettes are used as motifs to represent the nostalgia and longing associated with a past love. It suggests that these familiar scents and flavors can trigger vivid memories and emotions—evoking a sense of both pleasure and heartache. This lyric implies that even though the person may be physically absent, their presence is felt through these sensory connections.The lines "Long nights, daydreams, sugar and smoke rings, I've been a fool" weave together themes of fantasy, escapism, and the profound impact of unrequited love. By juxtaposing long nights and daydreams, the lyric emphasizes a longing that can't be sated in reality and instead finds solace and respite in dreaming. Sugar and smoke rings speak to temporary pleasures and illusions, representing the deceptive allure of a love that remains unfulfilled. This lyric suggests that the speaker recognizes their own foolhardiness in holding onto a love that may never be reciprocated.Continuing with the theme of longing, the line "Next day, nothin' on my phone, but I can still smell you on my clothes" encapsulates the yearning and residual attachment the singer feels toward their absent lover. It demonstrates how memories can persist even in the absence of tangible reminders. The scent of the person remains imprinted on the speaker's clothes, clinging to them like a phantom presence. This lyric highlights the power of sensory triggers in invoking vivid memories and reigniting emotions once thought forgotten.Moving to the bridge, the line "And even if I run away, give my heart a holiday, still, strawberries and cigarettes always taste like you" explores the concept of self-imposed exile and attempts to escape the memories and emotions associated with a past love. The lyric suggests that no matter how far the singer may run or how much they try to distance themselves, the remnants of their love will always persist. It conveys the idea that even though they may want a break from the emotional weight of their past, the sensory associations will continue to hold a profound meaning.In essence, 'Strawberries & Cigarettes' delves into the multi-faceted nature of love, longing, and memory. While exploring the themes of impulsive decisions, unrequited love, and the persistent power of sensory associations, the song ultimately encourages listeners to cherish the meaningful connections and memories that shape their lives. It reminds us that even though time may pass and people may drift apart, the echoes of those significant moments and relationships will always have a place in our hearts and minds. And just like strawberries and cigarettes, they will always taste like the bittersweet symphony of our past.