Addicted
Jorja Smith
The Pain of Unrequited Devotion in Jorja Smith's 'Addicted'
Jorja Smith's song 'Addicted' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the struggle of watching someone you care about succumb to destructive behaviors. The lyrics paint a picture of a person deeply concerned about their partner's well-being, who is seemingly lost in their own issues, unable to recognize or return the love and care being offered to them. The song's protagonist feels invisible and unappreciated, despite their selfless dedication and the desire to be the main focus of their partner's life.
The chorus of 'Addicted' reveals the core of the protagonist's pain: the realization that their partner is not addicted to them, despite their wish to be their partner's sole addiction. This metaphor of addiction is used to express the intensity of the protagonist's longing to be needed and loved. The repetition of 'You should be addicted to me' underscores the yearning for a deep, almost consuming connection that is not reciprocated. The song's emotional weight is carried by Smith's soulful voice, which conveys the depth of the protagonist's feelings.
The narrative also touches on themes of self-sacrifice and the difficulty of leaving someone who is self-destructive. The protagonist is 'too selfless to leave,' indicating a complex mix of love, obligation, and perhaps a sense of responsibility for the partner's well-being. This creates a poignant tension between the desire to be loved and the need to care for someone who may not be capable of giving love in return. Jorja Smith's 'Addicted' is a powerful exploration of love, addiction, and the pain of feeling unseen in a relationship.