Mine / Yours

Wilbur Soot's 'Mine / Yours' is a poignant exploration of emotional vulnerability and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of inner conflict and the struggle to maintain one's identity within the dynamics of a partnership. Soot's songwriting often delves into introspective themes, and this track is no exception, as it reflects on personal feelings of inadequacy and the desire for mutual recognition in love.

The opening lines of the song suggest a feeling of regret and the pressure to conform to expectations. The narrator feels as though they are losing control ('When I hold the pen, it's throttling you'), indicating a struggle between self-expression and the impact it has on their partner. The mention of alcohol ('You never liked me when drunk') introduces the idea that substances can reveal hidden truths, but also that they can be a point of contention in relationships. The narrator's defensive stance ('And so I agree, and I'll say: Fuck you') highlights a protective mechanism against vulnerability, while also acknowledging a fear of revealing 'Something stupid and true.'

The chorus of the song brings a shift in tone, expressing a yearning for connection and acceptance ('You know, I don't need much more / But wanna be mine, wanna be yours'). The desire to be 'mine' suggests a need for self-possession and autonomy, while 'wanna be yours' reflects the longing to belong to someone else. The complexity of the relationship is further illustrated by the contradictory imagery of a kiss that feels both professional and intimate ('So tender and carefully, teeth before tongue'). Ultimately, the song grapples with the balance between self-identity and the compromises made in the name of love, encapsulated in the line 'I take you for granted / Because the alternative's far more alarming,' which implies that facing the reality of the situation is more daunting than remaining in a state of complacency.