Puppylove
Katie Jane Garside
The Dark and Twisted Love in 'Puppylove'
Katie Jane Garside's song 'Puppylove' delves into the complexities of a deeply twisted and intense relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of a submissive and almost servile love, where the protagonist is willing to go to extreme lengths to please their partner. The repeated imagery of a 'puppy' licking feet and keeping hair 'oiled nice and neat' suggests a dynamic where one partner is in a position of power and the other is in a role of subservience. This dynamic is further emphasized by the lines 'He made me come he made me go, He made me lick between his toes,' which highlight the control and dominance exerted by one partner over the other.
The song also explores themes of desire and the lengths one will go to for love and acceptance. The lines 'Ooh lover love me so sweet and tender, Makes the girl go round the bender' suggest a love that is both intoxicating and destructive. The use of the word 'bender' implies a loss of control and a descent into chaos, driven by the intense emotions and actions within the relationship. This is further reinforced by the lines 'Do sing lover it's too quick, It wasn't meant to be a quick fit,' indicating a longing for a deeper, more meaningful connection that is ultimately unattainable.
Garside's lyrics also touch on themes of self-deception and the facade of perfection. The line 'I'll always be your perfect liar' suggests a willingness to maintain a false image to keep the relationship intact. The repeated references to being a 'perfect wife' and 'perfect fuck' highlight the pressure to conform to an idealized version of oneself, even at the cost of personal authenticity and well-being. The song's dark and provocative imagery, combined with its exploration of power dynamics, desire, and self-deception, make 'Puppylove' a haunting and thought-provoking piece that challenges conventional notions of love and relationships.