Waste

Dove Cameron's song 'Waste' delves into the intense and often overwhelming emotions that come with being deeply infatuated with someone. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is all-consuming, almost to the point of being detrimental. The metaphor of being like a 'lit cigarette' in someone's hands suggests a sense of danger and fragility, indicating that this relationship is both thrilling and potentially harmful. The repeated imagery of hitting snooze and being unable to breathe when apart from the loved one further emphasizes the addictive nature of this love.

The song also touches on the idea of unreciprocated or one-sided love. The protagonist's mother thinks she needs therapy because she only sings about this person, highlighting how consuming this love is. The line 'I bet you do this to everyone' suggests that the object of her affection may not be as invested, making the love feel even more wasteful and unreturned. Despite recognizing the potential harm and the likelihood that this person may not feel the same way, the protagonist is still willing to 'waste' all her love on them, showcasing the irrational and uncontrollable nature of deep infatuation.

Cameron's use of the word 'waste' is particularly poignant. It implies a sense of futility and loss, yet the protagonist embraces it willingly. This paradox captures the essence of many intense romantic experiences where the highs are worth the inevitable lows. The song's repetitive chorus and catchy melody mirror the cyclical and obsessive thoughts that often accompany such intense emotions, making 'Waste' a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt consumed by love.