Song Meaning
The narrator pledges an almost unnerving level of compliance, promising to "behave as I should" regardless of the circumstances. This isn't about genuine happiness or sadness, but a performance of expected roles, even in the face of potential rejection or infidelity. The lyrics paint a picture of someone willing to adapt their entire being to the whims of another, suggesting a deep-seated desire for approval or perhaps a fear of abandonment.
The central tension lies in the contrast between the narrator's stated intentions and the extreme conditions they're willing to accept. They'll "come running" if the other person leaves, buy specific tea, and even "like" other men. This willingness to accommodate, even when it seems personally detrimental, highlights a desperate attempt to maintain a connection, no matter the cost to their own dignity or emotional well-being.
The most striking aspect is the relentless repetition of "I'll behave as I should." This phrase, appearing multiple times in the chorus, transforms from a simple statement of intent into an almost mantra of self-erasure. The inclusion of "You'll behave as you should / We'll behave as we should" shifts the focus, implying a mutual expectation of conformity that feels less like a partnership and more like a pre-ordained script.
What makes these lyrics resonate is the raw, almost uncomfortable honesty about the lengths one might go to in a relationship, even when it feels self-destructive. The narrator's unwavering, almost robotic adherence to an undefined "should" creates a palpable sense of unease, forcing the listener to question the nature of love, duty, and the performance of normalcy in the face of emotional turmoil.