Figures

Jessie Reyez's song 'Figures' is a poignant expression of heartbreak and the frustration that comes with unreciprocated love. The lyrics convey a deep sense of betrayal and disappointment as the singer reflects on a relationship where she invested emotionally far more than her partner. Reyez uses the word 'figures' to express a resigned acknowledgment of the situation, as if to say 'it figures' or 'it's just my luck' that this would happen. The repetition of 'love figures' emphasizes the irony of calling something 'love' when it's so one-sided and full of games.

The emotional core of the song is the desire for retribution, a common feeling after a painful breakup. Reyez expresses a wish to make her former lover feel the same pain she's endured, highlighting the natural human instinct to want justice or revenge when wronged. The lyrics 'I wish I could do exactly what you did' and 'how in the fuck would you feel?' underscore the raw emotion and vulnerability that come with being hurt by someone you loved deeply. Despite these feelings, there's also a sense of empowerment in acknowledging the loss and recognizing one's worth, as implied in the lines 'You're the one who's gonna lose something so special, something so real.'

The song also touches on the difficulty of moving on from a toxic relationship. Reyez mentions having 'a lineup of girls and a lineup of guys' waiting for a chance with her, yet she admits to being 'willing to stay' because of her attachment to the love she thought she had. This contradiction captures the complexity of human emotions and the struggle to let go of someone, even when they've caused immense pain. 'Figures' is a raw and honest portrayal of the darker side of love, where the lines between love, pain, and the desire for retribution blur.