I Get Nervous

Lower Dens' song 'I Get Nervous' delves into the complex emotions associated with unrequited love and the anxiety that accompanies it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels nervous and uncertain in the presence of someone they deeply admire. The opening lines, 'Lady, I get nervous / Just a-being in your service,' suggest a sense of servitude and vulnerability, highlighting the power imbalance in the relationship. The speaker's words are 'full of indecision,' reflecting their inner turmoil and the difficulty of expressing their true feelings.

The song continues to explore the theme of unreciprocated affection, with the speaker receiving 'nothing in return / But storm and pessimism 'stead of dreamin'.' This line captures the emotional toll of loving someone who does not feel the same way, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair. The metaphor of a 'pretty prison' further emphasizes the entrapment and helplessness the speaker feels, as they are unable to escape their feelings despite the lack of reciprocation.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift to a broader perspective, touching on themes of existential longing and the search for meaning. The lines 'I got summer still looks pretty / I got hungry for the hungry seas' suggest a yearning for something more, a desire to find fulfillment beyond the confines of the unrequited love. The speaker acknowledges that they have 'nothing to be nervous about / Hungerin' over you,' indicating a realization that their anxiety is self-imposed and that they need to move on. The final lines, 'In the same rich path / You and I align,' hint at a fleeting moment of connection, but ultimately, the song remains a poignant exploration of the pain and complexity of unrequited love.