Desire (feat. Tove Lo)

The song 'Desire' by Years & Years, featuring Tove Lo, delves into the complex emotions of a relationship where the lines between love and desire are blurred. The lyrics express a struggle between wanting to maintain a connection with someone and recognizing that the relationship may be more about physical desire than emotional depth. The protagonist seems to be caught in a cycle of wanting to be wanted, even if it means settling for a relationship that is less about love and more about the thrill of the chase.

The repeated questioning of 'Is it desire or is it love that I'm feelin' for you?' suggests a deep confusion about the nature of their feelings. The singer craves desire over love, as love has led to feeling 'abused'—perhaps emotionally or in terms of being taken for granted. This indicates a relationship where the physical aspects are more fulfilling than the emotional ones, or where the excitement of desire is preferable to the potential pain that comes with deeper emotional attachment.

The song also touches on themes of control and submission within relationships. Phrases like 'You know that you've got me, you've locked me down' and 'I want you to want me again' reflect a dynamic where the singer feels both trapped by their feelings and eager for the validation that comes from being desired. The internal conflict and the push-and-pull of wanting to be close to someone while also feeling the need to protect oneself from emotional harm are central to the song's narrative.