Selfish

Justin Timberlake's song 'Selfish' delves into the complex emotions of possessive love and the desire to keep a loved one all to oneself. The lyrics express a deep infatuation and an almost obsessive need to be the sole focus of the partner's attention. Timberlake's portrayal of love in this song is intense and all-consuming, as he admits to feelings of jealousy and the fear of losing his beloved to someone else.

The chorus of 'Selfish' highlights the singer's acknowledgment of his possessive nature, as he openly admits to wanting 'every bit' of his partner. This level of attachment is described as detrimental to his mental health, yet he feels powerless to change his feelings. The metaphor of his heart going 'flatline' without his partner's constant presence illustrates the life-or-death stakes he places on the relationship. The song's title itself encapsulates the central theme: a love so deep that it becomes selfish, prioritizing the singer's need for exclusivity over everything else.

The imagery used in the song, such as 'put you in a frame' and 'glad your mama made you,' suggests a sense of admiration and idealization of the partner. Timberlake likens his partner to an angel, an ethereal being that cannot be explained, further emphasizing the pedestal on which he has placed her. The repeated lines about the partner's beauty and the singer's claim over her heart and scars indicate a deep personal connection and a possessive claim that is both romantic and slightly troubling in its intensity.