Olivia Rodrigo’s “vampire” expresses metaphorically a painful story of manipulation, deception, and betrayal in a relationship. The song primarily uses the figure of a vampire, from popular lore and mythology, to represent an individual who emotionally and metaphorically sucks the life out of others for personal gain — an intriguing representation of a manipulative person.
The song identifies two main characters—the singer herself, and the ‘vampire’—much like the predator and prey dynamic. Themes of regret and wrong decisions made are clear throughout the song, where the singer describes her past self as naive for not recognizing the signs of impending emotional deceit. This strikes a chord with listeners who may themselves have struggled with regret or felt overpowering remorse over actions or decisions.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of disillusionment and a harsh awakening from the perspective of the one being deceived. The singer shares her experience of being blinded by the charm and magnetism of the so-called vampire, highlighting the allure such individuals can have. Echoes of manipulation and gaslighting are also hinted at, amplifying the predatory nature of the vampire.
The character of the vampire is also depicted as a fame seeker, using others to attain their own desires, thriving on adulation and attention, implying the dynamics of a parasitic relationship. The person uses a façade of love to deceive, expressing personality traits of narcissism and unavailability.
Moreover, the song also sheds light on the dynamic of power and control in abusive relationships, where the manipulator can make the victim doubt their own judgment, as the singer doubting her intelligence due to the betrayal.
In a broader sense, this song is a statement about self-realization, growth, and the catharsis that comes with understanding and overcoming trauma. It speaks to anyone who has experienced emotional manipulation but has emerged stronger and more enlightened, further understanding the nuances of deceptive relationships.
Throughout the song, Olivia Rodrigo takes us through a narrative of arousal, abuse, awakening, and acceptance. This story isn’t just about the pain of emotional deceit but is also about turning that pain into a powerful lesson. It’s a narrative of personal growth, of learning from past mistakes, and of the strength we can gain from our darkest moments.