Every You Every Me
Placebo
The Intensity of Dysfunctional Love: Dissecting Placebo's 'Every You Every Me'
Placebo's 'Every You Every Me' is a song that delves into the complexities of a toxic love relationship, characterized by dependency and self-destructiveness. The lyrics, penned by the band's lead vocalist Brian Molko, are known for their raw emotion and often dark themes. Placebo, a band that emerged in the mid-90s, is recognized for their blend of alternative rock, punk, and glam influences, which often explore themes of love, sexuality, and existential angst.
The opening lines of the song, 'Sucker love is heaven sent,' immediately introduce the listener to the concept of a love that is both desired and damaging. The use of oxymorons throughout the song, such as 'sucker love' and 'my heart's a tart,' highlights the conflicting emotions involved in this relationship. The imagery of carving a name into an arm and serving one's head on a plate suggests a deep vulnerability and willingness to sacrifice oneself for the sake of this love, despite the pain it causes.
The chorus, 'Every me and every you,' could be interpreted as a reflection on how individuals in a relationship mirror each other's flaws and virtues, becoming intertwined to the point where they lose their individual identities. The song's bridge, 'Like the naked leads the blind,' further emphasizes the idea of a dysfunctional partnership where both parties are incapable of guiding or saving each other. The repeated lines 'Every me and every you' serve as a haunting reminder of the cyclical nature of such relationships, where patterns of hurt and reconciliation are perpetually repeated.