Jealousy

Will Young's song "Jealousy" delves into the intense and often destructive emotion of jealousy, capturing the raw and visceral feelings that accompany it. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their emotions, unable to control the surge of jealousy that overwhelms them. The song begins with the protagonist regretting their impulsive words, acknowledging that their feelings erupted too quickly, likened to starting a fire. This metaphor of fire represents the uncontrollable and consuming nature of jealousy, which burns within and causes pain.

As the song progresses, the protagonist follows the object of their affection, feeling the sting of being too close yet not close enough. The imagery of watching someone walk and standing too close highlights the torment of unrequited love or the fear of losing someone to another. The repeated line, "And it feels like jealousy," emphasizes the suffocating nature of this emotion, making it hard to breathe and bringing the protagonist to their knees. This physical manifestation of jealousy underscores its power to debilitate and dominate one's thoughts and actions.

The chorus reveals the protagonist's inner turmoil, questioning the nature of the love they are experiencing and whether they are the desired one. The uncertainty and longing for an answer reflect the insecurity and vulnerability that often accompany jealousy. The repeated refrain of being tired of waiting and thinking signifies the exhaustion that comes with being consumed by such intense emotions. Will Young's poignant delivery and the song's haunting melody amplify the sense of desperation and helplessness, making "Jealousy" a powerful exploration of one of the most primal human emotions.