“Lose Control” by Teddy Swims is a powerful song that explores the intense emotional turmoil of a toxic relationship. The lyrics vividly describe feelings of dependency and addiction, likening the relationship to a drug habit. Swims’ powerful vocals convey a sense of desperation and loss of control when apart from his partner, highlighting the complex and destructive nature of their bond.
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been widely acclaimed for its raw emotional honesty.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“Lose Control” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Something’s got a hold of me lately
No, I don’t know myself anymore
Feels like the walls are all closin’ in
And the devil’s knockin’ at my door, woah
Out of my mind, how many times did I tell you
I’m no good at bein’ alone?
Yeah, it’s taken a toll on me, tryin’ my best to keep
From tearin’ the skin off my bones, don’t you know
The opening verse sets the tone for the song, describing a state of emotional turmoil and anxiety. The singer feels overwhelmed and unfamiliar with himself, using vivid imagery like walls closing in and the devil knocking at the door to convey his distress. He emphasizes his inability to be alone and the toll this dependency is taking on him, highlighting the destructive nature of the relationship.
[Chorus]
I lose control
When you’re not next to me
I’m fallin’ apart right in front of you, can’t you see?
I lose control
When you’re not next to me, mhm
Yeah, you’re breakin’ my heart, baby
You make a mess of me
The chorus serves as the core of the song’s message. It directly expresses the loss of control the singer experiences when separated from his partner. The repeated phrase “I lose control” underscores the intensity of his emotional dependence. The lyrics suggest that this relationship, while clearly harmful, has become a fundamental part of his emotional stability.
[Verse 2]
Problematic
The problem is I want your body like a fiend, like a bad habit
Bad habits hard to break when I’m with you
Yeah, I know I can do it on my own
But I want that real full-moon black magic and it takes two
Problematic
The problem is when I’m with you I’m an addict
And I need some relief, my skin in your teeth
Can’t see the forest through the trees
Got me down on my knees, darlin’, please, oh
This verse delves deeper into the addictive nature of the relationship. The singer compares his desire for his partner to that of an addict craving a drug, using terms like “fiend” and “bad habit”. He acknowledges the problematic nature of their connection but admits to being unable to break free. The imagery of “full-moon black magic” suggests a powerful, almost supernatural pull between them.
[Chorus]
I lose control
When you’re not here with me, mm
I’m fallin’ apart right in front of you, can’t you see?
I lose control
When you’re not here with me, mhm
Yeah, you’re breakin’ my heart, baby
You make a mess of me
The final chorus repeats the main theme, emphasizing the ongoing cycle of emotional dependency and turmoil in this relationship.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Lose Control”
Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” delves into the complex and often tumultuous nature of a toxic relationship, drawing parallels between romantic addiction and substance abuse. The song explores the intense emotional dependency that can develop in unhealthy partnerships, where one’s sense of self becomes inextricably linked to their partner’s presence.
The lyrics vividly portray the protagonist’s emotional turmoil when separated from their lover. Swims uses visceral imagery to describe the physical and psychological distress experienced during these moments of absence, likening it to the withdrawal symptoms of an addict. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I lose control / When you’re not next to me,” encapsulates the core theme of the song – a loss of autonomy and stability in the absence of the other person.
Swims further emphasizes the addictive nature of this relationship through lines that directly compare the desire for his partner to that of a drug addict craving a fix. The verse “Problematic / The problem is I want your body like a fiend, like a bad habit” explicitly draws this parallel, highlighting the destructive yet irresistible pull of the relationship. This metaphor extends throughout the song, with references to needing “relief” and being unable to break free from these “bad habits”.
The song also touches on themes of self-awareness and internal conflict. The narrator acknowledges the problematic nature of the relationship but feels powerless to change it. This struggle is evident in lines like “Yeah, I know I can do it on my own / But I want that real full moon black magic and it takes two,” showcasing the internal battle between reason and desire.
Interestingly, “Lose Control” appears to be deeply personal for Teddy Swims. He has mentioned that the song reflects a period in his life marked by a difficult breakup and substance abuse issues. The writing process served as a form of subconscious therapy, with his heart and mind trying to communicate the need to escape a toxic situation while he was numbing himself with alcohol and other substances.
Ultimately, “Lose Control” is a poignant exploration of codependency, addiction, and the struggle for self-preservation in the face of all-consuming love. It resonates with listeners who have experienced similar situations, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of toxic relationships.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.