Selfish
'NSYNC
The Heartfelt Plea of a Hopeless Romantic
In 'NSYNC's song "Selfish," the lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil of a man deeply in love, who is struggling to understand why the object of his affection is hesitant to reciprocate his feelings. The song opens with the protagonist questioning why the woman is running away from a good man and turning her back on love. This sets the stage for a narrative of unrequited love and the protagonist's determination to prove his worth despite her past hurts and reservations.
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, as the protagonist acknowledges that he may be seen as selfish, hopeless, and imperfect. However, he argues that his desire for her love is genuine and unwavering. The repetition of the phrase "You can call me selfish" underscores his willingness to be labeled negatively if it means he can express the depth of his feelings. This part of the song highlights the vulnerability and desperation of someone who is hopelessly in love and willing to do whatever it takes to win the heart of the one they adore.
Throughout the song, the protagonist makes a heartfelt plea, promising to take care of her and be there for her in times of need. He even goes as far as to say that he would die for her, emphasizing the intensity of his emotions. The repeated line "Selfishly I'm in love with you" suggests that his love is all-consuming and that he has searched his soul to come to this realization. The song ultimately portrays a romantic who is willing to fight for love, even if it means being seen as selfish, because he believes that they are meant to be together.