Criminal

The Pretenders' song 'Criminal' delves into the emotional turmoil and consequences of a love that has gone awry. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels on top of the world yet simultaneously blue, indicating a deep internal conflict. The protagonist's world is crumbling around them, and they seek solace in their lover, who has ultimately betrayed them. This betrayal has left the protagonist feeling like a criminal, an outcast, simply because they loved too deeply and trusted too much.

The song uses powerful metaphors to convey the pain and disillusionment of the protagonist. The line 'If you play with fire, you get burned' is a classic metaphor for the risks of love, suggesting that the protagonist knew the dangers but was still willing to take the chance. The imagery of putting everything into a bag and trusting the lover to do what they didn't do highlights the sense of betrayal and misplaced trust. The repeated refrain 'You made me some kind of criminal' underscores the feeling of being wronged and the transformation of the protagonist's identity due to this failed relationship.

The emotional depth of the song is further emphasized by the protagonist's addiction to their lover. Despite the betrayal, they are still fixated on the person who hurt them, as seen in the lines about thinking of the lover first thing in the morning and last thing at night. The addiction metaphor is extended with the mention of swallowing a pill, indicating a reluctant acceptance of their situation. The protagonist's sense of being bound to dwell in hell without their lover encapsulates the despair and hopelessness that comes from a love that has turned toxic.