Olivia Rodrigo – expectations Lyrics and Meaning

I met him at a party
I think he was on drugs
He wasn’t smart or funny
I convinced myself he was

He had a great apartment
And a car his parents bought
I thought that he was perfect
And now his number’s blocked

Took a couple months (took a couple months)
But now i am secure (now i am secure)
I am so evolved (i am so evolved)
Now i ask for more and more
And more and more and more

I won’t settle for a guy with a fake job
They seem so desperate for loving, but, baby, i’m not
Gave my heart with zero stipulations
Now i take careful consideration

I’m not kissing any boy that is passive
Their indecision is painfully unattractive
Past mistakes are just new information
These days i’ve got expectations

So i hit the new year
Like a single girl at a vegas bar
Rockin’ my mini dress
With a vodka cran and an open heart

Yeah, i got hope
Yeah, i got drive
I will not lose my faith
Don’t think my future husband’s at this bar in silverlake

But in a couple months (in a couple months)
A man will be procured (this man will be procured)
He will be evolved (he will be evolved)
And i will be adored
Adored, adored, adored, adored

I won’t settle for a guy with a fake job
They seem so desperate for loving, but, baby, i’m not
Gave my heart with zero stipulations
Now i take careful consideration

I’m not kissing any boy that is passive
Their indecision is painfully unattractive
Past mistakes are just new information
These days i’ve got expectations

I’ve got big expectations
I’ve got real big expectations
I’ve got big expectations
I’ve got real big expectations

She’s got big expectations
She’s got real big expectations
She’s got big expectations
She’s got real big expectations

I won’t settle for a guy with a fake job
They seem so desperate for loving, but, baby, i’m not
Gave my heart with zero stipulations
Now i take careful consideration

I’m not kissing any boy that is passive
Their indecision is painfully unattractive
Past mistakes are just new information
These days i’ve got expectations

What are Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Expectations’ lyrics about?

Verse 1

The song begins with the singer looking back on a past relationship and realizing they ignored many warning signs. They met someone who wasn’t particularly impressive, but they convinced themselves he was perfect because they were attracted to the image he presented. Looking back, they can now see the reality of the situation and have completely moved on from him.

Pre-Chorus

After the breakup, it took some time for the singer to regain confidence and emotional security. Through self-growth and experience, they have learned their worth. Instead of accepting whatever comes their way, they now expect more from the people they date.

Chorus

The singer declares that they are no longer willing to settle for partners who lack ambition, direction, or maturity. In the past, they gave their heart freely without asking much in return, but now they are more careful and selective. They have learned that healthy relationships require standards and mutual effort.

Post-Chorus

The singer specifically rejects partners who are passive or unable to make decisions. Confidence, initiative, and emotional maturity have become important qualities for them. Rather than viewing past relationships as failures, they see them as lessons that taught them what they truly deserve.

Verse 2

Entering a new year, the singer feels optimistic and independent. They are enjoying life, having fun, and keeping an open heart despite past disappointments. Although they don’t expect to find their future partner immediately, they remain hopeful that the right person will eventually come into their life.

Pre-Chorus

The singer playfully imagines that somewhere in the near future there is a partner who will meet their standards. Unlike previous relationships, this person will be emotionally mature, evolved, and capable of giving them the love and appreciation they deserve.

Bridge

The repeated phrase “I’ve got big expectations” serves as the song’s main message. The singer is proud of having standards and refuses to apologize for wanting a healthy, fulfilling relationship. What some people may see as being too demanding, they see as knowing their own value.

Outro

The switch from “I’ve got” to “She’s got” feels like a playful celebration of the singer’s confidence and self-respect. It reinforces the idea that having expectations is not a flaw but a sign of growth and self-awareness.