In preparation for the release of her EP Cynthia, Sydney Ross Mitchell has one more single up her sleeve. “Big Boy Problems” is a perfect demonstration of Mitchell’s songwriting talent, with imagery that puts you through all the motions that she’s been through and wants you to see; smoking, having sex, arguing, moving on.
The most upbeat of all three promotional singles releases so far, “Big Boy Problems” is catchier and happier (or less depressing) than the first two –the heartfelt and vulnerable “Queen of Homecoming,” and the heartbreaking title track “Cynthia”– but it makes sure not to feel formulaic or lean too much into the pop aspect of indie pop. With touches that remind me of the overall atmosphere in Clairo’s Charm, but a foundation more similar to Lizzy McAlpine’s style, the track mixes jazzy soft sounds with grungy guitars, a contraposition that becomes very evident between the lyrical staccato in the verses, versus the angelic vocals of the chorus.
There is a feeling of acceptance on how things came and went, while still holding a little grudge for what made a relationship eventually fail. Mitchell is calling this out as her source of inspiration for making things a bigger deal than they deserved, while also making sure she points out the unfairness of their dynamic. She seems to be the chaser and the one who had her heart on her sleeve, so she has nothing left to give or to hide, while her counterpart is still trying to find excuses for their breakup. I think it’s a perfect summary of an intense love story that was never going to last: even if you gave it your all.
26-year-old Sydney Ross Mitchell encapsulates the feeling of coming-of-age the way only the best indie darlings do (Lizzy, Clairo, Leith Ross, Abby Powledge) and in this song she even seems to give herself some more grace than usual; “I was bitch, you deserved it,” “I got nothing to lose,” which I think is something we as young girls sometimes forget to do.
“Big Boy Problems” works as a conclusion for her journey in this relationship. Its closing line literally delivers closure, once again confirming that she is okay with things ending. She just wants you to hear her side of the story one last time.
“It is what it is, it was what it was.”
You can listen to “Big Boy Problems” now and to the Cynthia EP on February 6th, 2026.
0 comments on “Sydney Ross Mitchell’s New Single “Big Boy Problems” is an Ode to Ill-Fated Teenage Love”