Obsession

The Human League's song 'Obsession' delves into the intense and often destructive nature of infatuation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person consumed by their desire for another, to the point where it disrupts their sleep and daily life. The opening lines, 'You are an obsession / I cannot sleep / I am your possession / Unopened at your feet,' set the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the imbalance and lack of equality in this one-sided relationship.

The chorus, 'You are an obsession / You're my obsession / Who do you want me to be / To make you sleep with me,' underscores the desperation and willingness to change oneself to gain the affection of the object of desire. This repeated plea emphasizes the lengths to which the narrator is willing to go, even if it means losing their sense of self. The metaphor of a butterfly, 'Like a butterfly / A wild butterfly / I will collect you and capture you,' suggests a desire to possess and control something beautiful and free, further illustrating the unhealthy nature of this obsession.

As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal the darker side of this infatuation. Lines like 'My fantasy has turned to madness / And all my goodness / Has turned to badness' and 'My need to possess you / Has consumed my soul' depict the narrator's descent into madness and loss of control. The song captures the dangerous allure of obsession, where the initial attraction and admiration can quickly spiral into a consuming and destructive force. The Human League's 'Obsession' serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of letting desire take over one's life, ultimately leading to a loss of self and control.