Avoid Things

Tems' song "Avoid Things" delves into the complexities of emotional entanglement and the struggle to maintain mental peace amidst relational chaos. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the internal conflict experienced when trying to distance oneself from a tumultuous relationship. The opening lines, "In the morning, when you're not with me, I feel you in the depths of mind," suggest a deep emotional connection that lingers even in the absence of the other person. This sets the stage for the recurring theme of trying to avoid emotional pain and conflict, yet finding it nearly impossible to escape.

The chorus, with its repetitive plea to "avoid things," underscores the futility of trying to sidestep emotional issues. Tems expresses a desire to resolve conflicts and involve the other person in finding solutions, but is met with resistance, as indicated by the line, "But you don't want to be sorry." This highlights the frustration and helplessness felt when one party is unwilling to engage in meaningful resolution, leaving the other to grapple with unresolved emotions.

The song also touches on the manipulative dynamics often present in toxic relationships. The lines, "Badman wanna do me, bad man wanna ride, badman wanna play mind games on me," reveal the presence of deceit and manipulation, further complicating the emotional landscape. Tems' plea to be saved from this turmoil reflects a yearning for liberation from the mental and emotional strain. The song's haunting melody and introspective lyrics create a powerful narrative about the challenges of navigating emotional turmoil and the difficulty of avoiding the things that cause us pain.