stick of gum

In 'stick of gum,' Nemahsis delves into the intricate dynamics of unreciprocated love and the emotional toll it takes. The song opens with a poignant observation about the subjective nature of appreciation and validation. The artist laments that if she were to share her creative work, it would be dismissed unless it came from someone else, highlighting a deep-seated insecurity and a craving for external validation. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the struggle for reciprocation in a one-sided relationship.

The chorus, with its repetitive and almost hypnotic lines, 'It's easier lovin' you / Than I know why I need to,' underscores the paradox of loving someone who may not return the affection. The metaphor of 'a stick of gum, or dynamite' illustrates the varying degrees of effort and sacrifice the artist is willing to make, regardless of the reciprocation. This imagery suggests that the love she offers can be as simple and fleeting as a stick of gum or as intense and explosive as dynamite, yet the outcome remains the same—unreciprocated.

Nemahsis also touches on the concept of self-worth being tied to validation from others, a philosophy that many can relate to in the age of social media and constant external judgment. The line 'Self-worth by validation, that's my philosophy' reveals a vulnerability and a recognition of an unhealthy pattern. The song questions whether the ease of loving someone who doesn't reciprocate is a sign of genuine affection or merely a comfort in familiarity. This introspection adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it not just a lament about unreciprocated love but also a self-examination of the reasons behind it.