Maybe

Lewis Capaldi's song 'Maybe' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of self-doubt and the fear of failure in relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has repeatedly tried and failed to find love, feeling the heavy burden of expectations and the constant second-guessing that comes with it. The line 'At night, the weight of expectation seems to keep me up' encapsulates the anxiety and sleepless nights caused by these pressures. Capaldi's raw and honest portrayal of his struggles resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they are their own worst enemy.

The recurring theme of self-sabotage is evident in the lyrics 'How come I'm the only one who ever seems to get in my way?' and 'Lately, I've been fucking up a good thing any chance I can get.' These lines highlight the internal conflict and the destructive patterns that prevent the protagonist from maintaining healthy relationships. The metaphor 'everything I touch turns to stone' suggests a sense of hopelessness and the belief that his presence or actions inevitably lead to negative outcomes, reinforcing the idea that he might be better off alone.

Capaldi's yearning for connection is palpable in the chorus, where he expresses a desire for 'somebody to lean on, somebody to hold.' However, this desire is overshadowed by the fear of leading someone on and eventually letting them go. The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics reflect the artist's struggle with loneliness and the paradox of wanting companionship while believing that solitude might be the safer option. 'Maybe' is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human emotions, self-worth, and the impact of past experiences on one's ability to form meaningful connections.