Taking What's Not Yours

TV Girl's 'Taking What's Not Yours' is a song that delves into the aftermath of a relationship, focusing on the physical remnants left behind when two people part ways. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize the act of 'thievin', stealin', takin' what's not yours,' which can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. On the surface, it seems to address the common situation where former partners have each other's belongings. However, the repetition of these lines also suggests a deeper emotional plundering that occurs when a relationship ends, where one may feel robbed of time, love, or the emotional investment they put into the partnership.

The verses of the song paint a picture of the narrator reflecting on the items left behind by an ex-lover, as well as the things he left with her. These objects serve as symbols of their past relationship, with each item carrying a memory or a piece of their shared history. The mention of a 'Roman Coliseum' as a 'dry and worthless monument to our love' evokes the idea of grandeur that has now fallen into ruin, much like the remnants of their relationship. The narrator's ambivalence about these items, and the ex-partner's potential unawareness of them, highlights the disconnect and the lingering attachment that can persist after a breakup.

The song concludes with a somewhat humorous, yet poignant dedication to all the things the narrator has left behind in past relationships. This outro adds a layer of universality to the song, as many listeners can relate to the experience of leaving personal items with an ex. It's a bittersweet acknowledgment of the small losses that accumulate over time, and the realization that while some things can be taken back, others, like the time and emotions invested, are gone forever.