go away

Tate McRae's song 'go away' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the lingering pain that follows. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels they should be on top of the world but instead finds themselves struggling with feelings of inadequacy and heartbreak. The opening lines, 'You say I should be on top of the world, but I'm not feeling much,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the disconnect between external expectations and internal reality. This theme is further emphasized with the line, 'I used to think I could fly, now I'm just holding on,' suggesting a loss of confidence and a sense of being weighed down by emotional baggage.

The chorus reveals the depth of the protagonist's feelings, as they admit to being 'so damn in love' with someone who never seems to reciprocate their emotions fully. The repeated phrase, 'you never go away,' underscores the persistent nature of their heartache, as they are constantly reminded of their love interest, even seeing their face in everyone they encounter. This haunting presence makes it difficult for the protagonist to move on, trapping them in a cycle of longing and despair.

McRae's lyrics also touch on the theme of emotional manipulation, with lines like 'You like to care until you don't' and 'enjoy the show, you seem to love when I'm alone.' These words suggest that the love interest is aware of the protagonist's feelings but chooses to play with their emotions, providing attention only when it suits them. This toxic dynamic leaves the protagonist feeling empty and forgotten, as expressed in the plea, 'Please, just don't forget me.' The song captures the painful reality of loving someone who doesn't fully appreciate or reciprocate that love, leaving the listener with a poignant sense of empathy for the protagonist's plight.