Tantrums (feat. James Blake)

Normani's song "Tantrums (feat. James Blake)" delves into the tumultuous emotions that arise from a relationship marred by betrayal and disappointment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with the aftermath of being wronged by a partner they once trusted. The opening lines, "Had to get a drop on you, took a minute / But it's hard tryin' not to look back when you're in it," suggest a sense of betrayal that took time to uncover, and the difficulty of moving forward while still emotionally entangled.

The chorus, with lines like "You're nobody, you're just somebody I used to know," reflects a profound sense of disillusionment. The repetition of the phrase "you're nobody" underscores the speaker's attempt to diminish the significance of the person who caused them pain. This is a common coping mechanism in the aftermath of a breakup, where one tries to downplay the importance of the relationship to heal and move on. The mention of "tantrums" and acting "like a baby with your grown ass" highlights the immaturity and selfishness perceived in the partner's actions.

The song also touches on themes of regret and missed opportunities. Lines like "You're somebody I should have taken the time to call" and "All you had to do was ask / How you can make it better?" suggest that better communication could have potentially salvaged the relationship. However, the repeated emphasis on lies and the partner's failure to hold on to the relationship indicates that the damage was too deep to repair. The collaboration with James Blake adds a haunting, melancholic layer to the song, enhancing its emotional depth and resonance.