Always

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of someone feeling drained by a constant demand for performance, a pressure to always be 'turned on' and in control for others. There's a palpable sense of resentment towards another figure who has shed this responsibility, now seemingly detached and unwilling to acknowledge the narrator's needs. This shift leaves the narrator feeling abandoned and burdened, questioning the other person's comfort in their newfound freedom while the narrator remains entangled in shared struggles. The central tension lies in this perceived imbalance of effort and accountability. The narrator is left to 'chew self-doubt' and absorb blame, even as the other person 'skips out.' The repeated phrase 'What I want' underscores a desperate plea for recognition and fulfillment that seems to go unheard. The narrator's declaration, 'I can take, I can take / And I will,' suggests a grim determination to endure, perhaps out of obligation or a lack of alternatives. The most striking aspect is the stark contrast between the two figures: one perpetually 'turned on,' the other now free to disengage. The narrator's assertion of being 'inebriated' hints at a state of confusion or overwhelming emotion, making it difficult to fully grasp the situation or the other person's motivations. This internal state is amplified by the relentless repetition of 'And I will' in the outro, a powerful, almost defiant, affirmation of their own endurance despite the emotional toll. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the exhausting feeling of carrying a disproportionate load in a relationship or situation. The raw, almost accusatory tone, coupled with the narrator's resigned but resolute stance, highlights the quiet struggle of someone who feels compelled to keep going, even when the support system they once relied on has seemingly dissolved.