“Messy” by Lola Young is a soul-pop anthem that has resonated globally, topping charts in several countries. The song is deeply personal, reflecting Young’s experiences with ADHD and her struggles with self-acceptance.
The lyrics explore themes of imperfection, relationship frustrations, and the quest for authenticity. Young describes “Messy” as an ADHD anthem, capturing her feelings of being “too messy” one day and “too clean” the next, as she navigates the complexities of her identity and relationships.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Messy” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
You know I’m impatient
So why would you leave me waiting outside the station
When it was like minus four degrees?
And I, I get what you’re sayin’
I just really don’t wanna hear it right now
Can you shut up for like once in your life?
Listen to me
I took your nice words of advice about
How you think I’m gonna die lucky if I turned thirty-three
Okay, so yeah, I smoke like a chimney
I’m not skinny and I pull a Britney
Every other week
But cut me some slack, who do you want me to be?
This verse sets the tone for the song, highlighting the narrator’s impatience and frustration with her partner’s behavior. It also touches on the criticism she faces about her lifestyle choices, such as smoking. The line “I pull a Britney” likely refers to erratic behavior, alluding to Britney Spears’ public struggles. The verse ends with a plea for acceptance, asking “who do you want me to be?”
[Chorus]
‘Cause I’m too messy, and then I’m too fucking clean
You told me, “Get a job”, then you ask where the hell I’ve been
And I’m too perfect till I open my big mouth
I want to be me, is that not allowed?
And I’m too clever, and then I’m too fucking dumb
You hate it when I cry unless it’s that time of the month
And I’m too perfect till I show you that I’m not
A thousand people I could be for you and you hate the fucking lot
The chorus is the heart of the song, emphasizing the contradictions and impossible standards the narrator feels she’s held to. It showcases the push and pull between being “too messy” and “too clean,” “too perfect” and flawed. This reflects Young’s struggle with ADHD and finding balance in herself. The repeated phrase “you hate the fucking lot” underscores the feeling that no matter what she does, it’s never enough.
[Verse 2]
It’s taking you ages
You still don’t get the hint, I’m not asking for pages
But one text or two would be nice
And, please, don’t pull those faces
When I’ve been out working my arse off all day
It’s just one bottle of wine or two
But, hey, you can’t even talk
You smoke weed just to help you sleep
Then why you out gettin’ stoned at 4 o’clock?
And then you come home to me
And don’t say hello
‘Cause I got high again
And forgot to fold my clothes
This verse continues the theme of relationship frustrations, focusing on communication issues and double standards. It points out the hypocrisy of her partner’s behavior, particularly regarding substance use. The verse ends with self-deprecating humor about getting high and forgetting household chores, further illustrating the “messy” aspect of her personality.
[Chorus]
Oh, and I’m too messy, and then I’m too fucking clean
You told me, “Get a job”, then you ask where the hell I’ve been
And I’m too perfect till I open my big mouth
I want to be me, is that not allowed?
And I’m too clever, and then I’m too fucking dumb
You hate it when I cry unless it’s that time of the month
And I’m too perfect till I show you that I’m not
A thousand people I could be for you and you hate the fucking lot
[Post-Chorus]
You hate the fucking lot
You hate the fucking lot
You hate the fucking lot
You hate the fucking lot
The repetition of the chorus and post-chorus emphasizes the ongoing nature of these struggles and the desire for self-acceptance.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Messy”
Lola Young’s hit song “Messy” delves into the complexities of self-identity, relationships, and societal expectations. The track, which has become a viral sensation on TikTok, resonates with listeners due to its raw honesty and relatable themes.
At its core, “Messy” is an exploration of the internal struggles Young faces, particularly in light of her recent ADHD diagnosis. The song captures the dichotomy of feeling “too messy” one day and “too clean” the next, highlighting the challenges of finding balance and consistency in one’s life. Young’s lyrics reflect the frustration of trying to meet conflicting expectations, both from others and herself, as she navigates her personal and professional life.
The song also touches on the pressures of romantic relationships and family dynamics. Young has mentioned that while the song was inspired by close family members, it’s primarily about herself and her experiences. The lyrics criticize the hypocritical standards often imposed on women in relationships, with Young expressing her desire to simply be herself without judgment. This theme of authenticity is central to the song, as Young declares, “I want to be me, is that not allowed?”.
“Messy” serves as an anthem for embracing imperfections and finding strength in one’s true self. Young’s powerful vocals and candid lyrics create a space for listeners to feel validated in their own struggles with self-image and societal pressures. The song’s popularity demonstrates its universal appeal, touching on themes that resonate across generations and backgrounds.
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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.