Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of an overwhelming, almost intoxicating infatuation. The opening lines describe a feeling that envelops the subject, likening it to "liquid peppermint" – a sensation that's both refreshing and intensely sweet, hinting at the almost surreal nature of this burgeoning crush. This initial immersion suggests a loss of control, where the "dreams that she sent" become the primary focus, blurring the lines between reality and desire.
The core tension emerges between the ecstatic, all-consuming nature of this "love" and a creeping doubt. The chorus initially declares, "Love comes in colors, I can't deny / All that matters is love, love, your love," presenting a vibrant, undeniable force. However, the second verse introduces a jarring counterpoint: "Maybe you shouldn't care / Throw away those dreams and dares." This suggests an internal conflict, a rational voice questioning the wisdom or sustainability of such intense feelings, especially when contrasted with the narrator's own later uncertainty: "And I wonder if it matters to me."
The most striking craft element is the subtle shift in the chorus's second iteration. The line "All that matters is love" transforms into "All that shimmers is love." This wordplay is crucial; "shimmers" implies a superficial beauty, something that might be alluring but potentially fleeting or illusory, unlike the solid "matters." This alteration perfectly captures the narrator's wavering conviction, moving from absolute certainty to a more tentative, perhaps even cynical, observation of love's appearance versus its substance.
Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the dizzying highs and the underlying anxieties of a powerful crush. The vivid, sensory imagery of "liquid peppermint" and "colors" grounds the fantastical feeling, while the lyrical pivot from "matters" to "shimmers" articulates the internal debate between surrendering to the emotion and questioning its true value. It's this delicate balance between overwhelming sensation and dawning self-awareness that makes the experience feel so palpable and relatable.