10:36

In '10:36,' beabadoobee delves into the intricate dynamics of emotional dependency and unreciprocated feelings. The song's lyrics reveal a relationship where one person is significantly more invested than the other. The opening lines, 'You don't need me / As much as I need you,' set the tone for a narrative of imbalance. This disparity is further emphasized with the repeated assertion, 'You're just a warm body to hold / At night when I'm feeling all alone,' highlighting the singer's use of the relationship as a means to combat loneliness rather than a genuine emotional connection.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'I don't want to, yeah, yeah,' suggests a struggle within the singer. There's a clear acknowledgment of the unhealthy nature of the relationship, yet an inability to break free due to a fear of solitude. This internal conflict is poignantly captured in the line, 'I have this thing where I, I can't really be by myself,' which speaks to a deeper issue of self-reliance and the fear of being alone.

The imagery of seeing the other person as a ghost in a dream further underscores the ephemeral and insubstantial nature of the relationship. The ghost metaphor suggests that the connection is not grounded in reality but is more of a fleeting, haunting presence that offers no real comfort or stability. The song's repetitive structure and haunting melody reinforce the cyclical nature of the singer's emotional state, trapped in a loop of dependency and unfulfilled longing.

beabadoobee's '10:36' is a raw and honest exploration of the complexities of human relationships, particularly those marked by emotional imbalance and the fear of loneliness. The song resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the pain of needing someone who doesn't need them back, capturing the essence of unreciprocated love and the struggle for self-acceptance.