What You Need

Chord Overstreet's 'What You Need' delves into the emotional turmoil of a one-sided relationship, where the protagonist is willing to go to great lengths to satisfy their partner's needs, even at the cost of their own well-being. The repeated mention of taking 'ludes' (a slang term for Quaaludes, a sedative) and anxiety pills highlights the protagonist's struggle with mental health issues, exacerbated by the instability and emotional strain of the relationship. This imagery paints a vivid picture of someone who is deeply affected by their partner's actions and is seeking any form of relief, even if it is temporary and self-destructive.

The lyrics also explore the theme of unreciprocated love and the pain of being strung along. The protagonist acknowledges the performative nature of their partner's affection, comparing it to reading lines from a script. Despite this awareness, they are still willing to endure the emotional rollercoaster, symbolized by the metaphor of tying their heart to train tracks. This powerful image conveys a sense of impending doom and the lengths to which the protagonist will go to feel a connection, no matter how fleeting or damaging it may be.

The chorus, with its repeated lines about taking pills and cleaning up the mess left behind, underscores the protagonist's desperation to be what their partner needs. This self-sacrificial attitude is both poignant and tragic, as it reveals a deep-seated need for validation and love, even if it means enduring significant personal suffering. The song captures the essence of a toxic relationship where one person is willing to give everything, while the other remains indifferent and unattached.