I haven't seen the video, but when I hear a song as unambiguous as this, I like to think of it in the situation of an "unreliable narrator" so they say.
I'm reluctant to hate this woman he's singing about until I know the singer's trustworthy. The listener doesn't actually have any proof that this singer isn't a crazy stalker who pursues the woman desperately against her wishes.
Certain lyrics, like "why were they open"...I can imagine that he forced a kiss on her and she's afraid to refuse him. Same with "You said you loved me, you're a liar", as she felt scared of him so said she loved him to appease him.
The fact that she wouldn't catch a grenade or jump in front of a train for the singer (as he would for her) becomes a lot more justifiable if this is some psychotic stranger who she just wants to leave her alone.
When he says lines like how she'd watch him burn or smile and pull out the brakes of his car, that is a "would scenario" that he is telling us; we have nothing to go on that she did do this, and this is purely his speculation that she would be so cruel.
So I just think its interesting that, however plain and simple this song seems (while being amazing and emotional at the same time), it could represent something totally different if you look at it another way.
It sounds just plain unhealthy to me. As soon as I heard the lyrics I was thinking the same thing as you. Also, I don't think it's right to demand that kind of devotion from someone. He's acting as if her (reported) lack of a natural inclination to endure physical harm for him is a conscious choice, and she's essentially somehow "unfaithful" because of it. Also, you say she might have kissed him or said she "loved" him to appease him, but maybe she wasn't even trying to appease. Maybe she was cornered by the guy? Also, there are all...
It sounds just plain unhealthy to me. As soon as I heard the lyrics I was thinking the same thing as you. Also, I don't think it's right to demand that kind of devotion from someone. He's acting as if her (reported) lack of a natural inclination to endure physical harm for him is a conscious choice, and she's essentially somehow "unfaithful" because of it. Also, you say she might have kissed him or said she "loved" him to appease him, but maybe she wasn't even trying to appease. Maybe she was cornered by the guy? Also, there are all sorts of ways someone can mean "I love you," and in addition, feelings can change or wane. I might say I "love" someone if s/he makes me laugh a lot or something. That certainly doesn't mean I'm in love with him/her. Alternatively, what if she loved him once but no longer does and Mr. Creepy Stalker can't get that through his head? I think that's the reading more cool-headed listeners are getting out of it...
I don't care how charming he might be-- if a guy started saying stuff like that to me (and seriously meant it), my first inclination would be to run far, far away.
I haven't seen the video, but when I hear a song as unambiguous as this, I like to think of it in the situation of an "unreliable narrator" so they say. I'm reluctant to hate this woman he's singing about until I know the singer's trustworthy. The listener doesn't actually have any proof that this singer isn't a crazy stalker who pursues the woman desperately against her wishes. Certain lyrics, like "why were they open"...I can imagine that he forced a kiss on her and she's afraid to refuse him. Same with "You said you loved me, you're a liar", as she felt scared of him so said she loved him to appease him. The fact that she wouldn't catch a grenade or jump in front of a train for the singer (as he would for her) becomes a lot more justifiable if this is some psychotic stranger who she just wants to leave her alone. When he says lines like how she'd watch him burn or smile and pull out the brakes of his car, that is a "would scenario" that he is telling us; we have nothing to go on that she did do this, and this is purely his speculation that she would be so cruel. So I just think its interesting that, however plain and simple this song seems (while being amazing and emotional at the same time), it could represent something totally different if you look at it another way.
It sounds just plain unhealthy to me. As soon as I heard the lyrics I was thinking the same thing as you. Also, I don't think it's right to demand that kind of devotion from someone. He's acting as if her (reported) lack of a natural inclination to endure physical harm for him is a conscious choice, and she's essentially somehow "unfaithful" because of it. Also, you say she might have kissed him or said she "loved" him to appease him, but maybe she wasn't even trying to appease. Maybe she was cornered by the guy? Also, there are all...
It sounds just plain unhealthy to me. As soon as I heard the lyrics I was thinking the same thing as you. Also, I don't think it's right to demand that kind of devotion from someone. He's acting as if her (reported) lack of a natural inclination to endure physical harm for him is a conscious choice, and she's essentially somehow "unfaithful" because of it. Also, you say she might have kissed him or said she "loved" him to appease him, but maybe she wasn't even trying to appease. Maybe she was cornered by the guy? Also, there are all sorts of ways someone can mean "I love you," and in addition, feelings can change or wane. I might say I "love" someone if s/he makes me laugh a lot or something. That certainly doesn't mean I'm in love with him/her. Alternatively, what if she loved him once but no longer does and Mr. Creepy Stalker can't get that through his head? I think that's the reading more cool-headed listeners are getting out of it...
I don't care how charming he might be-- if a guy started saying stuff like that to me (and seriously meant it), my first inclination would be to run far, far away.