For You
TV Girl
Unrequited Love and Disillusionment in 'For You' by TV Girl
The song 'For You' by TV Girl is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the disillusionment that comes with it. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and resignation as the speaker reflects on their efforts to please someone who doesn't reciprocate their feelings. The opening lines set the tone with a metaphor of banging one's head against a wall, symbolizing the futility of trying to connect with someone who is unresponsive. The mention of being a 'loyal sycophant' and leaving 'lipstick stains upon your shoes' suggests a one-sided relationship where the speaker is willing to degrade themselves for the affection of the other person.
The chorus reveals the speaker's realization that their attempts to win over the person they desire have been in vain. They've 'wasted all [their] favorite melodies' and seen 'best friends turn to enemies' for someone who may not have been worth the trouble. The line 'You heard I like the bad girls baby, Maybe that's true, For everybody else except (for you)' implies that the speaker's reputation or past behavior might have led the object of their affection to misjudge their intentions or sincerity.
The song also touches on the theme of sexual intimacy without emotional connection. The second verse describes a physical encounter that leaves the speaker feeling empty, as if something was being taken rather than shared. The imagery of 'lonesome poets throwing glitter in their hair' captures the desperate attempts to be noticed and the ultimate indifference of the person they're trying to impress. Overall, 'For You' is a melancholic narrative of chasing after someone who remains elusive, and the emotional toll it takes when one realizes that their love and efforts are not reciprocated.