Doodles

The overall theme of the song revolves around looking back at past mistakes and wishing for a do-over. Betts uses the idea of "doodles" to represent the little errors we make that can lead to bigger consequences. It's relatable and raw, showing how we all have moments we wish we could erase. The mix of humor and sadness makes the song feel genuine, as it balances self-reflection with the chaos of living life.

Verse 1

So it's one for the night when I broke his heart
One for the joke that I took too far
And it's one for the dent in the rental car
The doodles I'd undo

In this verse, Betts lists specific regrets, painting a picture of nights filled with mistakes. Each line highlights a different moment of recklessness or hurt. The mention of a broken heart, a joke gone wrong, and a dent in a rental car all symbolize the chaos that can come from a single night. It sets the stage for the overarching theme of wanting to undo those moments.

Chorus

I've got doodles I'd undo
And doodles I'd unmake
When the road is passing you
Oh there's nothing I won't break

The chorus reinforces the idea of wanting to take back those "doodles." Betts expresses a sense of desperation, revealing her willingness to break things in her path. This part of the song feels powerful and confessional, as she admits to the chaos she creates. It captures that feeling of being overwhelmed by the consequences of her actions.

Verse 2

And it's one for the times when I let them win
One for the light that I let him dim
And it's one for a kiss that should never have been
The doodles I'd undo

Here, Betts reflects on moments of weakness, where she let others influence her. She acknowledges the times she allowed someone else to take control, which dimmed her own light. The mention of a kiss that should never have happened adds a layer of personal regret, showing how small actions can lead to significant emotional fallout.

Chorus

I've got doodles I've undone
And doodles I've undid
I've got days I can't outrun
And days I can't unlive

This repetition of the chorus emphasizes the weight of her regrets. The idea of "days I can't outrun" suggests that these memories linger and haunt her. It’s powerful because it captures that sense of being trapped by past choices. The way she repeats the concept of doodles reinforces how prevalent these regrets are in her life.

Bridge

I've flown too close to the sun
And too close to the wind
So tell the barman, leave it open
I'm gonna need a couple more drinks

In the bridge, Betts uses vivid imagery to describe her reckless behavior. Flying too close to the sun suggests ambition gone wrong, while being too close to the wind hints at unpredictability. The call for more drinks implies she’s trying to cope with her feelings and the consequences of her choices, highlighting the theme of seeking escape.

Outro

'Cause it's one for the chaos
And one for the craic
One for the kiss
I should not have done that
And it's one for the lover
That I'll never get back
The doodles I'd undo (hey)

The outro wraps up the song by revisiting the idea of chaos in her life. She acknowledges her fun moments while also recognizing the pain that came from them. The mention of a lost lover brings a bittersweet end, reminding us that some things can’t be reclaimed. It perfectly sums up the regret and nostalgia that runs throughout the song.

Closing Thoughts

"Doodles" is a heartfelt exploration of regret, wrapped in catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. Rose Betts paints a vivid picture of moments we all experience, making it easy to connect with her story. It's a reminder that while we can’t change the past, acknowledging our mistakes is a step towards moving forward.