better (with you)

Crying City's song 'better (with you)' delves into the complexities of a relationship where the protagonist feels both comforted and trapped. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is deeply attached to their partner, despite the emotional turmoil it brings. The opening lines, 'Head still beating from things I never said / Found them leaving, you're human again,' suggest a sense of regret and unspoken words that haunt the protagonist. This sets the tone for a narrative where love is both a sanctuary and a source of pain.

The recurring theme of feeling 'better when I'm with you' highlights the protagonist's dependency on their partner for emotional stability. They admit to being a 'fool' and preferring to be 'used' rather than face the uncertainty of being alone. This reveals a deep-seated fear of loneliness and a willingness to endure emotional hardship for the sake of companionship. The line 'There's something in your eyes that feels like home' encapsulates the duality of their feelings—finding solace in their partner's presence while also feeling confined by it.

The song also touches on the struggle for individuality within the relationship. The protagonist tries to 'match your every move' and 'be like you,' indicating a loss of self in the process of trying to please their partner. This struggle is further emphasized in the lines 'Beat up, tired out / I'm lost in this fleeing crowd,' where the protagonist feels overwhelmed and exhausted by their efforts to stand out and be noticed. Ultimately, 'better (with you)' is a poignant exploration of the emotional highs and lows that come with being deeply intertwined with another person, capturing the essence of love's comfort and its challenges.