Mateo

Tove Lo's song "Mateo" delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the longing for someone who seems perpetually out of reach. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's feelings of inadequacy and desire as they watch Mateo, a figure who stands out in the crowd and is constantly surrounded by admirers. The protagonist wishes for more time alone with Mateo, but the competition is fierce, filled with "pretty girls" who have never faced rejection. This sets the stage for a narrative of yearning and the struggle to be noticed by someone who is always looking for something new.

The song captures the essence of feeling invisible and the internal conflict of trying to appear cool and indifferent while harboring deep feelings. The protagonist acknowledges that they are not the one Mateo chooses to see, yet they can't let go of their feelings. This unreciprocated affection is further complicated by the protagonist's awareness of Mateo's loneliness, despite being constantly surrounded by others. The line "Don't know why the need to fix you turns me on" suggests a complex attraction to Mateo's vulnerability and the desire to be the one to heal him.

Tove Lo's lyrics also touch on themes of pride and the lengths one will go to for love. The protagonist, who has never been one to chase, finds themselves doing just that, driven by the wildness of love. The song hints at the potential pain and destruction that could come if Mateo chooses someone else, encapsulating the intense emotions that come with unrequited love. The repeated refrain of "Mateo, Mateo, Mateo, my love" underscores the depth of the protagonist's feelings and their hope for a chance with Mateo, despite the odds.