Without Love

Alice Glass's song "Without Love" delves into the complex emotions of self-worth, identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world devoid of genuine affection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their sense of value, questioning whether they are "worth it or worthless." This internal conflict is exacerbated by the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of self-victimization and bondage, as the protagonist metaphorically ties themselves down, possibly to a toxic relationship or a harmful self-perception.

The recurring question, "How are you gonna lie about me now?" suggests a history of deceit and betrayal, possibly from a significant other or society at large. The imagery of being watched "from underground" adds a haunting, almost ghostly presence, indicating that the scars of past lies and manipulations linger, affecting the protagonist's present state of mind. The repeated refrain, "Got to be without love," underscores a sense of resignation and acceptance that love, in its true form, is unattainable or perhaps even undesirable in their current state.

The song also touches on themes of silence and suppression, as seen in the lines "Sew my lips ’til it won’t come out" and "Can I suffer? I won’t make a sound." These lyrics suggest a deep-seated pain that is kept hidden, either out of fear or a sense of futility. The desire for a "weak chance" and the assertion that "I’m not just body tissue" highlight a yearning for recognition and validation beyond physical or superficial attributes. The closing lines, "Tell me where to spit / Don’t tell me what to swallow," encapsulate a defiant stance against being controlled or dictated by external forces, emphasizing a struggle for autonomy and self-expression.