The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Take It Out on Me" by the artist "White Lies"

In White Lies' song "Take It Out on Me", the lyrical protagonist offers himself as an emotional punching bag for the one he loves. He sees the pain and exhaustion of his loved one and, driven by compassion and a desire to help, asks them to vent all their negativity onto him.

The verses see the protagonist urging their loved one not to hold back their feelings ("Wipe the weariness from your eyes", "Loosen the knots and untie me") and to unleash everything they've bottled up. The line "Let this food nourish me" suggests that the protagonist is willing to accept their loved one's pain as a kind of sacrifice, even if it causes him suffering.

The recurring refrain "Oh, take it out on me" is a direct expression of the protagonist's desire to be a lightning rod for negative emotions. He finds a perverse pleasure in being used in this way ("I've fallen for the feeling", "I've fallen for the feeling of being used"). Perhaps he sees it as a manifestation of his own need and significance in the relationship.

The bridges ("Tell me, tell me...", "Help me, help me...") reveal the protagonist's desperation and plea. He is willing to do anything to alleviate his loved one's suffering, even if it means becoming the target of anger and aggression.

Overall, the song paints a picture of an unhealthy, codependent relationship, where one partner is willing to sacrifice himself and his emotional boundaries for the sake of the other.