Crush

Paul Van Dyk's song 'Crush' delves into the intense and often overwhelming emotions associated with unrequited love and obsession. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is relentless in their pursuit of another person, refusing to accept rejection or distance. The repeated phrases like 'Can't run away, can't run away from me' and 'Can't hide away, can't hide away from me' emphasize the persistence and determination of the pursuer. This relentless chase is further highlighted by the metaphor of navigating the seven seas, suggesting that no obstacle is too great to overcome in the quest to find the object of their affection.

The song employs various metaphors to illustrate the omnipresence and inescapability of the pursuer. Descriptions such as 'I'll be a shadow when the sun don't shine' and 'I'll be a fly on the wall' convey the idea that the pursuer is always there, watching and waiting. The imagery of being a 'wrecking ball' and a 'wake-up call on a sleepless night' suggests a disruptive and intrusive presence, one that cannot be ignored or easily dismissed. The chorus reinforces this notion, with the declaration that 'Cars and planes and boats won't do, yeah you can be sure I'll find you,' indicating that no matter the means of escape, the pursuer will always find a way to close the distance.

The song also touches on the darker aspects of obsession, with lines like 'If I suffer then you'll too, I'm not alone out in the blue' and 'I'll be your cigarette smoke, your junkie's dope.' These lyrics suggest a toxic and unhealthy dynamic, where the pursuer's fixation leads to a mutual suffering and dependency. The repeated assertion 'I know you want me' reflects a delusional confidence, ignoring the reality of the other person's feelings. This creates a sense of inevitability and entrapment, as the pursued individual is depicted as being unable to escape the grasp of the pursuer, no matter how hard they try.