Only You

Portishead's 'Only You' delves into the emotional landscape of vulnerability and the profound impact of a significant other on one's emotional state. The lyrics suggest a sense of weariness and disillusionment, with the phrase 'crimes of illusion' possibly alluding to the deceptions and false promises that people encounter in life. The repetition of 'It's only you' emphasizes the unique power that a particular person holds over the narrator's feelings, capable of both causing deep pain and thawing a 'wooden heart,' a metaphor for emotional numbness or detachment.

The song's mood is reflective and somber, with a sense of resignation to the emotional turmoil described. The 'size of our fight' being 'just a dream' could imply that the struggles and efforts in a relationship or life, in general, may seem significant but are ultimately fleeting or inconsequential. The mention of 'this morning selfishly' hints at a moment of self-awareness or self-centeredness, acknowledging personal failures in the light of a new day.

Portishead, known for their trip-hop style, often combines haunting melodies with introspective lyrics. 'Only You' is no exception, as it captures the essence of human fragility and the paradox of how someone can be both the cause of emotional pain and the sole healer. The song's narrative arc doesn't resolve the tension but rather sits with the discomfort, allowing listeners to resonate with the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition.