Tori Kelly has written about a plethora of relatable topics, but many of her songs have revolved around finding, nurturing, and sustaining love. The opening of “Dear No One” suggested that the song would turn out to be a single ladies’ anthem, proclaiming the joys of being unattached. “I like being independent / No one telling me what to do,” sang Kelly (via Genius). However, she soon flipped the script, revealing that she did long for companionship. “But sometimes I want somebody to hold/ Someone to give me their jacket when it’s cold / Got that young love even when we’re old,” she continued. After a chorus of Kelly promising this mystery lover that she’d “be good to you,” she made sure to represent her introverted fans. “I don’t like big crowds / sometimes I shut people out.”
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While the lyrics certainly pulled listeners in opposing directions, Kelly’s depiction ultimately suggested that it’s possible to be content with where you are in life while also being open to the idea of more. In Kelly’s case … her “future someone.” According to Teen Vogue, Kelly spent much of the video for “Dear No One” pursuing a love interest, although things didn’t work out. However, she was fine with that outcome. “I’m happy with the message,” shared Kelly during her interview. “It’s a nice little story line that’s saying you don’t always need somebody.”
