You Are What You Love

Jenny Lewis's song "You Are What You Love" delves into the complexities of love, self-identity, and the illusions we create in relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship fraught with insecurities and self-deception. The opening lines set the tone, describing a search for invisible reasons to escape love, highlighting the internal conflicts and fears that often plague romantic relationships. The metaphor of living in a house of mirrors suggests that the couple is constantly confronted with their own fears and insecurities, making it difficult to maintain a genuine connection.

The chorus, "You are what you love, and not what loves you back," serves as the song's central theme. It suggests that our true identity is shaped by our passions and what we choose to love, rather than the love we receive from others. This idea is further explored in the verses, where the narrator admits to using the phone to disguise their true intentions and acknowledges their own fraudulent behavior. The phone becomes a symbol of modern communication's ability to mask true feelings and intentions, adding another layer of complexity to the relationship.

The song also touches on the idea of self-deception and the illusions we create to cope with our insecurities. The narrator describes themselves as a "fraudulent, a thief at best," and admits to being in love with illusions and tricks. This self-awareness highlights the internal struggle between wanting genuine love and being afraid of vulnerability. The reference to Tim, who encourages the narrator's avoidance tactics, underscores the theme of self-deception and the difficulty of facing one's true self. Ultimately, the song is a poignant exploration of the illusions we create in love and the impact they have on our sense of self and relationships.