if u think i'm pretty
Artemas
The Tug of Toxic Attraction in 'if u think i'm pretty'
The song 'if u think i'm pretty' by Artemas delves into the complex emotions of being drawn to someone who is acknowledged as being bad for the individual. The lyrics oscillate between the desire for physical affection and the recognition of a toxic relationship. The repeated line 'If you think I'm pretty, lay your hands on me' suggests a yearning for validation and physical connection, while also hinting at a deeper need for emotional intimacy that isn't being fulfilled.
The song's protagonist seems to be caught in a cycle of attraction and repulsion, fully aware of the negative aspects of their partner ('I know that you're shitty and you're bad for me'), yet unable to break free from the allure ('But I can't stop thinking 'bout it'). This internal conflict is further emphasized by the lines 'Won't you give that shit a rest? Said you needed love, but you're only here for sex.' It indicates a realization that the partner's intentions are not aligned with their own, craving love while the partner seeks only physical pleasure.
The song doesn't resolve this tension, instead, it captures the obsessive nature of toxic relationships. The repetition of 'If you think I'm pretty' and the fragmented lines towards the end of the song convey a sense of brokenness and the cyclical pattern of thoughts that come with such entanglements. Artemas uses the song to explore the theme of wanting to be seen and loved, even in the face of a relationship that is ultimately harmful.