Madder Red Lyrics

Lyric discussion by dswpro 

Cover art for Madder Red lyrics by Yeasayer

This is a song about guilt and cheating.

Most people cannot describe "why" they cheat, but may feel the guilt and shame of it. They do not want to hurt their partner, but they are unhappy and seek pleasure elsewhere. This song accurately describes the emotions of the cheater, at least in this case.

"But if my vices are a burden Please don't let me off Cast me from your home" Here the vice is sex. he is trying to tell his partner he is not worthy of staying in the home.

".. lately I've wronged you And not been on your side, love Maybe I have been dumb Please don't ask me why" This is the admission of cheating, though the cheater does not know or want to answer why.

"I turn away just when you want me And I know that home is where you want me There's not much for me there"

Not getting any sex at home? Perhaps not wanting to get it at home. Perhaps the excitement is gone.

"Never gave a thought to an honorable living Always had sense enough to lie It's getting hard to keep pretending I'm worth your time"

It is hard not to admit his cheating ways.

Song Meaning

I disagree -- I don't think it's necessarily about cheating. My interpretation is that it's more about feeling inadequate in general, and the lyrics are vague enough that the reason for that could really be anything. Yeah the vices could be sex, but they could be a million other things too.

I also don't think it's limited to romantic love -- I think it could be directed toward anyone who loves you in any sense of the word (friends, parents, etc.). The music video supports this idea because it's about a girl and her pet, and this song totally applies...