Ankles

Jessie Reyez's song 'Ankles' delves into the tumultuous aftermath of a toxic relationship, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of love, betrayal, and self-empowerment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship marred by constant conflict, as evidenced by lines like 'Fight just to fuck just to fight again' and 'World war three justified in bed.' This cyclical pattern of fighting and making up highlights the instability and emotional exhaustion that often accompany toxic relationships.

Reyez's frustration and sense of betrayal are palpable throughout the song. She expresses her disillusionment with her partner's actions, particularly their public displays of no regret on social media, as seen in 'Apologized but your Twitter said no regrets.' This line underscores the modern-day struggle of dealing with relationship issues in the age of social media, where private matters often become public spectacles. Despite the pain, Reyez asserts her self-worth and superiority over her ex's new partners with the repeated refrain, 'These bitches can't measure up to my ankles.' This metaphorical expression signifies that her ex's new partners don't even come close to her level, both emotionally and in terms of value.

The song also touches on themes of self-reflection and growth. Reyez acknowledges her own mistakes and the lessons she struggles to learn, as indicated by 'Lessons that I just can't seem to learn.' However, she ultimately emerges stronger, recognizing her own worth and refusing to continue pretending she was the guilty one. The repeated imagery of 'two feet' and 'shallow' suggests a realization of the superficiality of her ex's actions and the depth of her own emotional journey. 'Ankles' is a powerful anthem of self-empowerment, resilience, and the importance of recognizing one's own value in the face of heartbreak.