Bathtub

Waxahatchee's 'Bathtub' delves deep into the emotional complexities of self-worth, relationships, and self-sabotage. The song opens with a stark admission of the narrator's perceived lack of worth, setting a tone of vulnerability and self-doubt. The imagery of the morning bathtub, with skin soft and hot, serves as a metaphor for a moment of introspection and raw honesty. The narrator grapples with the idea that they might be inherently flawed, anticipating future hurt and resonating with a sense of inevitable pain.

The lyrics further explore the narrator's internal conflict through their interactions with a significant other. They acknowledge their own confusing behavior—pushing the other person away while simultaneously seeking their affection. This push-pull dynamic highlights the narrator's struggle with intimacy and fear of being hurt. The mention of hiding from phone calls under warm water and the recurrence of malice suggests a cyclical pattern of avoidance and emotional turmoil. The comparison to daytime TV shows implies a sense of detachment and trivialization of their own feelings, adding another layer to the complexity of their emotional state.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator receives a tape from their significant other, symbolizing a gesture of connection and communication. However, they choose to distract themselves, swallowing guilt with little pills and forcing themselves to stay busy. This act of diversion underscores their inability to confront their emotions head-on. The bathtub, once again, becomes a place of reflection where the narrator allows themselves to think about their feelings, albeit briefly. 'Bathtub' is a poignant exploration of the inner battles we face in relationships, the fear of vulnerability, and the ways we cope with our own perceived inadequacies.