When I'm Not Around

Jessie Murph's song 'When I'm Not Around' delves into the emotional turmoil of a relationship fraught with dishonesty and neglect. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a partner who feels abandoned and unimportant, especially when their significant other is not physically present. The opening lines set the tone, revealing sleepless nights and a sense of being unmissed, which suggests a deep-seated insecurity and loneliness. The repeated assertion that the partner 'doesn't give a fuck' about the protagonist's feelings underscores a painful disconnect and emotional neglect.

The song further explores the protagonist's suspicions and the hurt caused by their partner's actions. References to the partner being out with friends and possibly engaging with other girls amplify the sense of betrayal. The protagonist's pain is palpable, especially when they mention how the partner's words 'cut' them. This metaphor highlights the emotional wounds inflicted by the partner's insensitivity and lack of genuine care. The chorus, with its repetition of 'Not what you're saying when I'm not around,' emphasizes the duplicity and inconsistency in the partner's behavior, contrasting their professed love with their actions when the protagonist is absent.

In the latter part of the song, the protagonist confronts the partner's hypocrisy and infidelity. The lines 'So insecure, you're the one whose gotta cheat' and 'Call me a whore, you should think before you speak' reveal the toxic dynamics at play. The imagery of gasoline and fire symbolizes the destructive nature of the relationship, with the protagonist refusing to be 'burned' again. The song's recurring theme of unspoken truths and emotional neglect resonates deeply, capturing the anguish of feeling unloved and unimportant in a relationship that should be a source of comfort and support.