“Connell” by Conan Gray is a heartfelt and emotional song that explores themes of heartbreak, longing, and low self-worth after a painful relationship. The song is part of his 2025 album Wishbone and quickly gained attention for its raw and relatable storytelling. Conan shares the experience of loving someone who did not feel the same way, leading to deep feelings of pain and self-doubt.
The lyrics paint vivid pictures of memories, such as seeing the person in a photograph with someone else and painful moments of closeness that ultimately felt one-sided. Conan reflects on how the relationship was hidden and how he invested emotionally while facing distance and rejection. The chorus captures his regret and self-blame, saying “Kissing your ghost was my own damn fucking fault” and expressing that pain is something he feels he deserved. The song also ties in personal trauma, referencing his father’s struggles, which adds emotional depth to the heartbreak story.
Lyrics from “Connell” by Conan Gray
I saw you in a photograph
With some brunette girl in a head-back laugh
And I almost hurled when I saw your hand
Down the small of her back
You were never outside with me
Spent my summer months in your unwashed sheets
And I know it’s dumb that I’d ever think
That I’d meet your mom and dad
Skipping your stones at my window in the dark
Kissing your ghost was my own damn fucking fault
But deep in my bones I know pain is what I earned
And you remind me of how good it feels to hurt
Yeah, you remind me of how little I deserve
I knew we weren’t meant to be
I’m from Texas skies, you’re from London streets
And I’m not your type, but you’re trying things
So that’s everything I need
To break apart my own heart again
Validate the worst thoughts inside my head
That I’m not worth shit, and I’m better dead
Who’s the victim in the end?
Skipping your stones at my window in the dark
Kissing your ghost was my own damn fucking fault
But deep in my bones I know pain is what I earned
And you remind me of how good it feels to hurt
And you remind me of how little I deserve
Yeah, you remind me of my father slurring words
So you remind me of how little I deserve
Connell
Connell
Connell
Con… Ugh
“Connell” stands as a powerful exploration of emotional vulnerability, the scars of unreciprocated love, and the complex nature of self-worth. Conan Gray’s honest lyrics and evocative imagery make this song deeply relatable for anyone who has experienced heartbreak mixed with personal struggles.
