Necessary Evil

Unknown Mortal Orchestra's 'Necessary Evil' delves into the complexities of love, self-perception, and the struggle for self-control. The song opens with a vivid metaphor, urging the listener to 'transform into the animal you need to,' suggesting a need for change or escape from a chemically tainted destiny. This line sets the tone for a narrative that explores the darker sides of love and dependency, hinting at a search for something pure and untainted by external influences, even as the protagonist acknowledges their own flaws.

The recurring theme of being a 'necessary evil' in a relationship underscores a sense of self-awareness and guilt. The protagonist recognizes that their presence might be detrimental to their partner, describing their love as a 'fatal flaw.' This paradoxical idea of being both essential and harmful reflects the internal conflict many people face in relationships, where love and self-doubt coexist. The lyrics 'I wanna be your friend but don’t have the self-control' further emphasize this struggle, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining a healthy relationship when personal demons are at play.

Cultural references, such as the mention of the C.I.A. and the need for a 'new drug,' add layers of meaning to the song. These lines could be interpreted as a critique of societal and governmental influences on personal lives, suggesting that true solace and escape cannot be found in conventional means. The imagery of 'nobody can get a tan in the moonlight' and 'he drooled on a pillow and looked like an angel' juxtaposes innocence and imperfection, painting a picture of love that is both beautiful and flawed. Ultimately, 'Necessary Evil' is a poignant exploration of the duality of love, where the desire to be with someone is constantly at odds with the fear of causing them harm.