I read this song as the lament of a person who DOES "love" (in his/ her own fashion) the person to whom (s/he) is singing, but is unable to avoid "keeping busy" in the object's absence. And the lyric change, from "a simple prop" to "another prop," indicates a sort of resignation with the whole situation. perhaps the speaker isn't necessarily -happy- about his/ her behaviors, but is compelled to seek these props nevertheless.
Now, I agree, using the term "love" might be an overstatement... perhaps too much depth of emotion, but perhaps it is "love" as the subject understands it/ is capable of feeling. Further, I certainly wouldn't want to be the object of the speaker's "love," nor would I want to be the prop who keeps him/ her busy.
And why would the speaker need/ want/ use a prop? Narcissism. Inadequacy. Fear (of self, of others). Anger. Validation. Resignation. Some psychotic thought process. Borderline personality disorder. (Perceived) self-defense. Retaliation. It could go on & on...
I read this song as the lament of a person who DOES "love" (in his/ her own fashion) the person to whom (s/he) is singing, but is unable to avoid "keeping busy" in the object's absence. And the lyric change, from "a simple prop" to "another prop," indicates a sort of resignation with the whole situation. perhaps the speaker isn't necessarily -happy- about his/ her behaviors, but is compelled to seek these props nevertheless.
Now, I agree, using the term "love" might be an overstatement... perhaps too much depth of emotion, but perhaps it is "love" as the subject understands it/ is capable of feeling. Further, I certainly wouldn't want to be the object of the speaker's "love," nor would I want to be the prop who keeps him/ her busy.
And why would the speaker need/ want/ use a prop? Narcissism. Inadequacy. Fear (of self, of others). Anger. Validation. Resignation. Some psychotic thought process. Borderline personality disorder. (Perceived) self-defense. Retaliation. It could go on & on...