for you

Delaney Bailey's song "for you" delves into the emotional turmoil of self-suppression in the name of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is becoming comfortable in their own skin, only to feel the need to stifle their true self to fit into the expectations of their partner. The opening lines, "I'm getting too comfortable in my skin again, laughing too loudly at my own jokes again," suggest a fleeting moment of self-acceptance that is quickly overshadowed by the pressure to conform.

The song's protagonist feels the need to make themselves small, both literally and metaphorically, to be loved. This is poignantly expressed in the lines, "Need to stifle my voice again, need to make myself small again, so that I can fit in the palms of your hands." The imagery of fitting into someone's hands symbolizes the desire to be molded and controlled, sacrificing one's individuality for the sake of being loved. This theme is further emphasized with the metaphor of shoving a sock down their throat, a stark representation of silencing oneself.

Bailey's lyrics also touch on the societal pressures to conform to certain ideals, especially during formative years like high school. The line, "Be the cool girl you wanted everyone to see, in high school I wanted everything, but me," reflects the struggle of trying to meet external expectations at the cost of one's true identity. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance of this self-suppression, as the protagonist decides to be quiet and make room for their partner, even if it means throwing out their own things and ignoring their own needs. This poignant narrative captures the painful reality of losing oneself in the quest for love and acceptance.