Adam

Alex G's song 'Adam' presents a narrative that appears to delve into the theme of bullying among children. The lyrics describe a scenario where the narrator has taken a lunchbox from a boy named Adam and made a bet that Adam will not be able to retrieve it. The act of taking the lunchbox and the subsequent bet suggest a power dynamic where the narrator exerts control over Adam, causing him distress as indicated by Adam crying in the snow. This behavior is further emphasized by the narrator's intention to never return the lunchbox, highlighting a sense of possession and dominance.

The song continues to explore the emotional impact of bullying by expressing the narrator's hope that Adam will feel isolated and think of the narrator when he is alone. This line suggests a complex relationship between the bully and the victim, where the bully seeks acknowledgment and perhaps a twisted form of connection through the act of bullying. The mention of hiding the incident from his mom indicates the shame and secrecy that often accompany being bullied.

The swimming pool scene further illustrates the aggressive behavior of the narrator, with actions like splashing and dunking Adam until he cries. These actions are not just physical but also psychological, as they are intended to humiliate and exert power over Adam. The repetition of the bet in the lyrics reinforces the ongoing nature of the bullying, suggesting that this is not an isolated incident but a pattern of behavior. The final line, 'I want him so,' adds a layer of complexity, hinting at a possible desire for connection or attention from Adam, which the narrator may be expressing through harmful actions.