It’s Common (But We Don’t Talk About It)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship shrouded in unspoken tension and conflicting narratives. Initially, the narrator dismisses external gossip, claiming they don't think about the other person, questioning if it could be love or if they have nothing better to do. This sets up a contrast with the subsequent admission of constant thought and dedication, like doing chores, suggesting a deep, perhaps obsessive, preoccupation. The core conflict emerges in the chorus and bridge, highlighting a cycle of accusation and denial. "I can say you lied" is met with "you could tell me that you tried," only for the narrator to retort, "I know you lied." This back-and-forth suggests a fundamental breakdown in trust and communication, where actions and words are constantly at odds. The bridge explicitly states the central theme: the relationship's nature is acknowledged as "common," yet it remains a topic they actively avoid discussing. The most striking aspect is the narrator's contradictory behavior and pronouncements. They claim to "work all day and think of you" and "dream all night and you're there too," even offering to perform domestic tasks, indicating intense focus. Yet, in Verse 4, they declare, "I don't like you boyfriend and I can't stand you," a harsh dismissal that clashes violently with the earlier expressions of devotion. This jarring shift suggests a complex emotional state, possibly masking deeper feelings with outward animosity or confusion. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw portrayal of a dysfunctional dynamic. The repeated assertion that "it's common, but we don't talk about it" underscores the painful reality of relationships where significant issues are swept under the rug. The narrator's oscillation between intense fixation and outright disdain creates a compelling, albeit unsettling, portrait of emotional turmoil and the quiet desperation of unresolved conflict.