Can I just say “softened” instead of “softened up”?

What's "give me a break" mean?

"Give me a break" is another way of saying "go easy on me" or asking someone not to criticize them too harshly for something, to put less pressure on them. It can also be used when one is exasperated or in disbelief. Ex: Oh, give me a break. You'll never be as good as I am. Ex: I haven't played the flute in a while. Give me a break! Ex: Give him a break. He's still learning how to do the job.

What does "It was true" mean? and do you use "it was true" generally?

"It was true" here seems to be in reference to the love she felt for the boy she is singing about. It is a common poetic technique to refer to love as "true" to imply that it was both "real love" and that it was pure/innocent love. The phrase has been used in this way to for with the rhyming scheme of the song and is not reflective of spoken English. Ex: Our love was true. Ex: I think this love is true.

How’s “laughing” different from “giggling”?

"Laughing" and "giggling" are pretty much the same thing. The main difference between the two is the intensity. "Giggling" is a type of laugh that is more quiet and reserved and typically is higher in pitch. "Giggling" is laughing in a fun and silly way due to being nervous or excited about something. "Laughing" is more outright, boisterous, and loud. Here are a couple of examples: Ex: She giggled when she saw the guy she liked. Ex: He laughed at the joke.

What kind of book does "Dorian Gray" is?

The full name of the book "Dorian Gray" mentioned here is "The Picture of Dorian Gray," is a philosophical novel published in 1890 by Oscar Wilde. It's a fantasy story about a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty.

What does he mean by "line in the sand"?

By "line in the sand", he means the "limit" to what one will do. A point he won't go beyond. Jake's okay with "flipping off" his teacher, but he's not okay with lying. He won't lie- this is his line in the sand. Ex: It's okay if your room is a bit messy, but my line in the sand is leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Please wash them! Ex: This is my line in the sand. I will not run a marathon.