Jessie Murph – 1965. Lyrics & Meaning

Jessie Murph – 1965 : Trading Modern Rights for a Fantasy Romance

Ever find yourself scrolling through your phone late at night, staring at a message you wish you hadn’t received, and just thinking, “Is this really it? Is this what dating is now?” You’ve been ghosted, left on read, and received more “u up?” texts than you can count. It’s a special kind of modern exhaustion, a feeling that makes you want to throw your phone into the ocean and escape to a different, simpler time.

If that feeling hits close to home, then Jessie Murph’s gut-punch of a song, “1965,” is the perfect soundtrack for that exact moment. It captures that desperation beautifully. But this track is so much more than just a complaint about modern love; it’s a complicated, satirical, and painfully honest look at what we’re willing to trade for a little old-fashioned romance. Let’s dive into what makes this song so brilliant and heartbreaking.

Diving Into the Daydream of Jessie Murph’s “1965”

At first listen, “1965” feels like a dreamy escape. Jessie paints a picture of a world that seems, on the surface, incredibly romantic. It’s a world without the anxieties of social media and the cold, impersonal nature of digital communication. Instead of late-night texts, there’s genuine effort.

The Allure of Old-Fashioned Courting

She sets the scene with imagery that feels ripped from a classic Hollywood movie. The fantasy is all about the gestures that feel lost today. He’s not sliding into her DMs; he’s showing up at her door with a bouquet. As she sings:

• Jessie Murph – 1965 : Trading Modern Rights for a Fantasy Romance
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You’d show up at the door with flowers and ask me
What I am doing an hour half past 3
We’d go to diners and movies and such
We’d just hold hands and I’d love every touch

And when he’s away, the connection doesn’t just fade into digital silence. There’s a tangible effort to stay in touch, a level of thoughtfulness that feels almost alien in our fast-paced world.

You’d handwrite me letters when you went away
You’d make me feel better, you’d know what to say

It sounds perfect, right? It’s a vision of love that is intentional, present, and free from the constant digital distractions and low-effort communication that plague modern relationships. This is the core of the fantasy: a love that feels real and sincere.

The Cracks in the Nostalgic Veneer

But here’s where Jessie Murph proves she’s a master storyteller. Just as you get comfortable in this cozy, black-and-white fantasy, she shatters the illusion with sharp, unsettling truths. This isn’t a genuine desire to live in 1965; it’s a commentary on how broken the present feels. She acknowledges the ugly reality of that era with a chilling nonchalance.

A Price I’m Willing to Pay?

The chorus is the most powerful and controversial part of the song. It’s where she lays her cards on the table, revealing the depth of her desperation. She’s so starved for genuine affection that she’d consider making a terrible bargain.

I want you to love me
Like it’s 1965, oh

That line, “I think I’d give up a few rights,” is a punch to the gut. She’s not glorifying the sexism of the past; she’s using it as a measuring stick for her current pain. She even casually mentions the grim realities of the time, almost as if they are minor inconveniences compared to her modern heartache.

Studies are now saying that cigarettes are recommended and women belong in the kitchen

And later, the casual mention of domestic trouble:

I might get a little slap-slap, but you wouldn’t hit me on Snapchat

It’s incredibly dark humor. She’s saying, “Sure, the world was openly sexist and dangerous for women in many ways, but at least I wouldn’t be dealing with this specific brand of modern disrespect.” The song cleverly satirizes the idea of “the good old days” by showing that the fantasy only holds up if you ignore the horrific parts.

So, What’s She Running From?

The song masterfully contrasts the idealized past with the raw, vulgar frustration of the present. The “why” behind her fantasy becomes crystal clear when her tone shifts from dreamy to furious. She snaps back to reality to call out the exact behavior that’s driving her crazy.

Don’t fucking text me at 2 a.m. sayin’, “Where you at, at?” Boy, fuck you

And later, another jab at a modern partner’s lack of basic decency:

But at least you wouldn’t drive off before I get in the fucking door
You fucking fuck, fuck you

This is the heart of it all. She’s not actually in love with the 1960s. She’s just so profoundly disappointed with the lack of respect and effort in her current romantic life that she’s willing to fantasize about a flawed past just to escape it. The song is a cry for something more, a demand to be treated with fundamental kindness and consideration—things that shouldn’t feel like a luxury.

The true message of “1965” isn’t to go back in time. It’s a stark reminder to not romanticize the past, but more importantly, it’s a wake-up call to demand better in the present. The song uses satire to highlight a very real emotional need: the desire for a love that is kind, respectful, and makes you feel secure. It’s a powerful statement that basic human decency in a relationship should never be something we have to bargain for.

Ultimately, Jessie Murph’s “1965” is a brilliant, layered, and painfully relatable piece of art. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt so let down by modern dating that they’ve found themselves daydreaming of a different world, even a flawed one. What do you think? Does the song’s satirical take on nostalgia resonate with you, or do you see a different meaning in her lyrics? I’d love to hear your perspective on it!