The art of letting go can be captured in expressions of love in movies, walking someone to their house or car, carrying someone’s luggage as you walk them to their departure gate, or blowing a candle as the tendrils of smoke become one with the air. Reconnecting with a past lover can be awkward; however, experiencing such a bittersweet moment reflects acceptance, empathy, and nostalgia. British singer and songwriter Olivia Dean released her debut R&B and soul album “The Art of Loving” on September 26. Specifically, her single “A Couple Minutes” has skyrocketed in listeners across social media and the music industry. The song is a beautiful way of acknowledging how letting go of someone, especially a person you love, radiates sadness. However, the phrase, “A Couple of Minutes,” is a testament of strength—how sacrificing one’s love for another can lead to navigating separate lives.

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Verse 1

“Turn around

Since when are you smoking now?

It’s been a while, let me know

Like, did you end up moving house?

You’re the only one who knows that name”

The song opens with the mellow melody of a violin solo, which captivates the listeners’ souls through its beauty. Dean projects the feeling of the distance that arises from attempted small talk to gain closure from a breakup with a past lover. There is a subtle memory conveyed through these lyrics, portraying how much the lover cares for their past lover by acknowledging that no one else will know them like they have. This is a beautiful reminder of how no one else can manipulate your own experiences, since they have not experienced it first-hand, and can only understand what a breakup is truly like. 

Chorus

“Back on your sofa

Of course, I still care

Love’s never wasted

When it’s shared, mm, mm

And although it’s over

I’ll always be there

Only have a couple minutes, guess we’re going back to real life”

The chorus represents the fleeting moment Dean has with her past lover. The sofa can symbolize a time of comfort, and the living room represents a place of trust and tranquility. Here, Dean acknowledges how love, even when a mutual breakup happens, is never squandered but instead cherished and lingers as a shared memory. The importance of friendship is also expressed during such a devastating moment, that is healing from heartbreak. 

Verse 2

“I guess we’ve found a silver lining

I’m glad you’re doing so well

If only you could see how I’ve been

If I’m being real, you know it ain’t been the same

We could talk if we want now

I already know it’s no good for me”

Here, Dean acknowledges feelings of compassion and the realness of grief from heartbreak. The stage of acceptance is also conveyed by acknowledging the fact that fleeting moments are healthier than constant reunions with one’s ex-lover. Dean also acknowledges that moving on from temporary love does not always mean that the love disappears, but instead, it’s eternally preserved in one’s heart. 

Post-Chorus

“In your heart every part of me, we’ll let go

And let it start to be

In your heart, every part of me, we’ll let go

And let it start to be (Ooh)

In your heart, every part of me, we’ll let go

And let it start to be”

Dean concludes the song with heart-touching lyrics that emphasize the importance of allowing part of the past love within you to remain stagnant and the pain of letting the rest go. This emphasis allows others to understand that if it is meant to be, then it will be. Ultimately, Dean reminds us that nothing good ever comes easy, but knowing you’re not alone through adversity helps to heal the wound. 

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T Pain is inevitable when you realize that your path lies elsewhere from the one you yearned for. However, there is beauty in being able to reconcile with one another for the sake of your own healing. If it was meant to be, you can find some comfort in the idea that you might meet again. But if you choose to move on permanently, you show the emotional maturity needed to do so. Ultimately, the lessons you gain from the experience can ease the pain by accepting that letting go can be a form of honor and viewing heartbreak—whether from romantic partners or friendships—as a chance to evolve.