Mean

P!nk's song 'Mean' delves into the painful disintegration of a once-loving relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple who have drifted apart, transitioning from a state of affection and intimacy to one of indifference and hostility. The opening lines reflect on the past, where small gestures of love and care were abundant, contrasting sharply with the present, where such gestures have been replaced by eye rolls and dismissive behavior. This shift signifies the loss of the 'spark' that once kept the relationship alive.

The chorus questions how the relationship reached this point of meanness and emotional distance. P!nk's introspective lyrics ponder the reasons behind their inability to move on and the emotional toll it takes on both parties. The repeated questioning of 'How did we get so mean?' and 'How do we just move on?' highlights the confusion and pain of realizing that the love they once shared has deteriorated. The song also touches on the idea of freedom and whether the desire to be free from the relationship is mutual, with P!nk expressing that this desire does not align with her feelings.

In the latter part of the song, P!nk reflects on the nostalgia of their early days, where love was 'sweet and new.' The imagery of undressing with eyes and the intimacy of shared moments in the shower contrasts starkly with the current state of their relationship, where physical and emotional connection has faded. The metaphor of wine that should have been drunk while it was still sweet encapsulates the idea that their love, once vibrant and full of potential, has now soured. The song concludes with a poignant realization that staying together out of fear of loneliness is not a solution, and the cycle of emotional abuse has become a twisted form of comfort.