About You (feat. blackbear)

Mike Shinoda's 'About You (feat. blackbear)' delves into the inescapable presence of a significant person in one's life, even when they are not the intended subject. The repetitive chorus, 'Even when it's not about you, about you / All of a sudden it's about you now,' underscores the omnipresence of this individual, suggesting that their influence permeates every aspect of the narrator's thoughts and actions. This repetition emphasizes the struggle to move past or compartmentalize the impact of this person, highlighting how their memory or influence can hijack even unrelated moments.

In the verses, Shinoda reflects on the challenges of expressing himself authentically while grappling with this pervasive influence. Lines like 'I was scared to death to get up there and spill my fucking guts' reveal the vulnerability and fear associated with opening up, especially when the subject matter inadvertently circles back to this significant person. The mention of 'drama comma pain' and the difficulty in finding words that don't connect back to this individual further illustrate the emotional turmoil and creative blockages that arise from this situation.

Blackbear's contribution adds another layer to the narrative, expressing a similar sentiment of struggling to find the right words and emotions. His lines, 'Can't find the words to a memory / But these are just words to a melody,' capture the frustration of trying to articulate feelings that are deeply intertwined with memories of the person. The song as a whole paints a vivid picture of how certain relationships or memories can dominate one's mental and emotional landscape, making it challenging to separate oneself from their influence.