Kiss That Counted

Song Meaning

Catie Curtis's "Kiss That Counted" isn't merely a love song; it's a meticulously crafted study of emotional inevitability. The opening lines paint a picture of a force of nature barreling down – "Incoming ocean, oncoming train" – suggesting a connection so potent it feels unavoidable. The singer's attempts to evade this pull, "I veered in circles to get off your path," only amplify the sense of predestined collision. It's as if resisting the inevitable only makes its impact more profound. This isn't about casual affection; it’s about a seismic shift in one's emotional landscape. The repeated line, "This would be the kiss that counted," acts as a mantra, solidifying the significance of this single moment. It represents a turning point, a dividing line between the singer's past and an uncharted future. The lyrics also hint at a vulnerability carefully guarded. "The one that shattered my defenses" speaks volumes about the emotional barriers the singer had erected, and how this kiss, this connection, breached them. The act of shutting windows, closing eyes, and retreating inward while still being flooded by love songs underscores the futility of resisting genuine emotion. The love songs themselves, "Pouring through my veins," become the very conduits that deliver the object of affection. Ultimately, "Kiss That Counted" culminates in a moment of surrender. The exchange, "It must be 4 AM…If I don't kiss you now, I will never sleep again," encapsulates the torment of resisting fate. It's a raw admission of need, a recognition that denying this connection would be a greater burden than facing its potential consequences. The song then evolves, shifting from "This would be the kiss…" to "Yours was the kiss…", implying that the singer no longer fears the impact of this kiss, but embraces it and the emotions and devotion that accompany it.