“What Do You Mean?” by CHVRCHES presents a narrative of confusion and mixed messages in a relationship. This song paints a vivid picture of uncertainty, stemming from miscommunication or more precisely, a lack of clear communication between two people involved in an intimate relationship.
One dominating theme evident throughout the song is the dynamic of love juxtaposed with conflict. The singer addresses their partner’s inconsistent behavior and communication, indicating a perpetual sense of bewilderment. This suggestively battles hope against futility in the face of romantic volatility, as if the protagonist is caught in an endless cycle of indecision and inconsistency.
An interesting aspect in the song is the duality conveyed via the partner’s conflicting actions, where they express approval but articulate disapproval. This contradiction is seen as a metaphor for the complexities inherent in intimate relationships, maintaining a delicate balance between expression and interpretation, between what’s said and what’s meant.
The tone emphasizes a feeling of urgency and desperation. There’s a running theme of time slipping away, which serves to heighten the urgency for clarity and decision-making. The singer pleads their partner to clear the fog of confusion and asks for decisiveness to combat the growing sense of emptiness and insecurity, thus encouraging a sense of emotional honesty and clear communication.
The lyrics also reveal a sense of emotional manipulation and control, where the singer expresses feeling suffocated yet desperately wanting the relationship to work. The partner’s overprotective nature is depicted as a hindrance to personal freedom, yet a strange attachment is revealed through the protagonist’s willingness to compromise.
In conclusion, “What Do You Mean?” by CHVRCHES is a compelling exploration of the complexities and contradictions often found in interpersonal relationships. It captures the confusion, frustration, desperation, and longing inherent in a relationship mired in indecision and miscommunication, all the while calling for honesty, clarity, and ultimately, resolution. It vividly illuminates the struggle of those caught in a love marked by mixed messages and the urgent need for understanding and preservation.