"But I've never considered myself any kind of heartthrob. It sounds painful"

In this quote, singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw is revealing his ideas on being considered a sweetheart. He begins by stating that he has actually never thought about himself as one, implying that he doesn't see himself as somebody who is attractive or preferable to others. He then adds that the concept of being a sweetheart sounds unpleasant to him. This could be interpreted in a few different methods. It might imply that he does not want the pressure and attention that features being a heartthrob, or it could suggest that he does not want to be objectified or seen exclusively for his appearances. In general, DeGraw is expressing his humility and perhaps even pain with being identified as a heartthrob.