Under (CRT CLSSX Remix)

Song Meaning

Sampha's "Under (CRT CLSSX Remix)" featuring Nadia Rose, dives headfirst into the turbulent waters of a complex, potentially toxic relationship. The opening lines establish a haunting dynamic, painting the subject as a "sophisticated bitter queen" and a "ghost in my machine." This evokes a sense of being controlled or haunted by a past relationship, her presence lingering and subtly influencing his actions, like a glitch in his system. He's trapped, almost passively observing her manipulations, as the chorus's "I wonder, sit and watch you wonder / I see you manipulate your lover" suggests a detached yet captivated state. The recurring line "And I go under" implies a surrender to this overwhelming emotional current, a cyclical descent into the depths of this connection. The "waves come crashing over us" illustrates the intensity and destructive potential of the relationship. Nadia Rose's verse injects a sharp, confrontational energy. Her lyrics hint at a power struggle, a cycle of hurt and reciprocation. Lines like "You shed blood, a few tears / I'm drowning it, it's [?] / It's unforgiving fuckery" suggest a mutual infliction of pain. The complex dance of attraction and repulsion is further highlighted with "When you think that I hate you, that's when you love me," revealing a twisted codependency where conflict fuels desire. She describes a feeling of being used, then regaining power, underscoring the tit-for-tat nature of the relationship. It's a battle for dominance, a push and pull that keeps them entangled. Sampha's final verse brings the song to a more present moment, a shared space despite the underlying turmoil. The "static on those screens now" could represent the blurred reality of their connection, the distortion of memories and perceptions. Yet, there's still a pull, an undeniable allure in "swimming in those eyes." The image of her making it "rain like you own the sky" speaks to her powerful influence and captivating presence, reinforcing the idea that even amidst the chaos and potential destruction, there's an undeniable magnetism that keeps him drawn to her. "Under" ultimately explores the intoxicating and destructive nature of certain relationships, where pain and pleasure are intertwined, and the struggle for control becomes a defining characteristic.