Used To It
Joshua Bassett
The Painful Comfort of Familiar Heartbreak
Joshua Bassett's song "Used To It" delves into the emotional complexities of a toxic relationship that has left deep scars. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that was fraught with betrayal and emotional manipulation. The opening lines set the tone, revealing a sense of abandonment and disappointment as the narrator reflects on a partner who didn't care even in moments of crisis. This sets the stage for a recurring theme of unreciprocated love and the painful acceptance of it.
The chorus, with its repeated line "I guess I got used to it," underscores the tragic normalization of mistreatment. The narrator describes how they were manipulated into forgiving their partner's transgressions, often through physical affection that masked deeper issues. This cycle of hurt and forgiveness is attributed to their youth, suggesting a lack of maturity and understanding at the time. The line "It's my mind that's playing tricks" indicates a struggle with self-doubt and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine feelings from the manipulative tactics of their partner.
In the latter part of the song, the narrator confronts the lingering effects of the relationship. Despite the betrayal, there's an admission of missing the partner, highlighting the complexity of emotions involved. The mention of a friend, Tommy, questioning the lack of anger, and the narrator's reflection on mercy and forgiveness, adds another layer to the narrative. It suggests a deep internal conflict between the desire for justice and the ingrained habit of excusing the partner's behavior. Ultimately, the song captures the painful reality of becoming accustomed to emotional pain and the difficulty of breaking free from a toxic cycle.