Katherine Li Is Back With Another Hopelessly Romantic Anthem
by Vy Le | November 17th, 2024
Cover sourced from Genius
A Chinese Canadian singer-songwriter, Katherine is known for capturing the whirlwind of crushes and that “delulu” daydream state. Her last album, which dropped earlier this year, had me completely hooked, especially “Isn’t It Obvious.” So, of course, I’m super excited for her new single.
This song perfectly captures the messy feelings of falling for your best friend. The self-denial in “I find myself saying / you're not cute, you're not cute” contrasts with the quiet realization, “it might be you.” It’s such a relatable moment of trying to brush off feelings, only to be hit with the truth. Then there’s the jealousy creeping in with “Where's she from? / Who's her mom? / What’s her job?” is overthinking at its finest but so raw and honest.
The pre-chorus hits hard with the vulnerability of “The only thought I have when you get up to leave / Is that I want you to stay.” It’s a simple yet powerful admission that sets the stage for the chorus. When Katherine sings, “I’m not as cool as I thought I was,” the self-doubt and longing feel so real. The line “stuck on this stupid stuff” sums up that frustrating in-between stage, where you can’t quite be honest but also can’t move on.
What really stands out are the “I I I” parts in the verses. The reverb makes it feel like those thoughts are echoing inside your head, slamming around with no way to escape. It’s such a clever way to mirror the overwhelming nature of overthinking
Listening to “Being Your Friend” feels like being transported back to those late-night moments of overthinking, wondering if someone you care about feels the same. Katherine’s storytelling and dreamy indie pop sound make it impossible not to get caught up in the emotions.
This song is classic Katherine, playful, vulnerable, and deeply relatable. It’s a reminder of how overwhelming and bittersweet love can be. With “Being Your Friend,” she’s created yet another anthem for anyone navigating the chaos of unspoken feelings.
LISTEN HERE
