You

Alex Condliffe's song "You" delves into the complex and often painful emotions associated with love and loss. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a toxic relationship that leaves a lasting impact on the narrator. The recurring metaphor of poison in the veins suggests that the presence of this person is both inescapable and harmful, indicating a love that is more destructive than nurturing. The river that won't run dry symbolizes the endless flow of these toxic emotions, emphasizing the permanence of the narrator's suffering.

The repetition of the word "You" throughout the song underscores the centrality of this person in the narrator's life. This person is not just a fleeting presence but a constant, overwhelming force. The weight upon the chest and the suffocating feeling in the lungs are physical manifestations of the emotional burden the narrator carries. These lines poignantly capture the confusion and pain of trying to discern whether such intense feelings are indeed love or something more sinister.

The final verse introduces the imagery of a hole and a shadow, representing the void left by this person. The hole that once was full signifies a sense of loss and emptiness, while the shadow that never stops suggests an ever-present reminder of what once was. The cost mentioned in the lyrics points to the emotional toll this relationship has taken on the narrator. Ultimately, the song portrays a love that is all-consuming and damaging, leaving the narrator in a state of perpetual longing and pain.