The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Chained" by the artist "xx, The"

The text "Chained" by author xx explores themes of obsession, control, and fear of loss within a relationship built on unhealthy dynamics. The lyrical hero, possibly entangled in a toxic relationship, expresses conflicting feelings towards the object of their obsession.

The opening lines immediately plunge us into an atmosphere of tension and anxiety: "I watched you breathe in / And wished you'd stop breathing / Just for long enough / Long enough." This desire, though expressed as a fleeting thought, reveals a deep need to control the partner, even to the point of depriving them of the most essential – breath, life itself. The phrase "Just for long enough" reinforces this impression, hinting at a desire to manipulate and keep the partner in a state of constant tension.

The difficulty in admitting one's own feelings ("It's hard / To say") emphasizes the internal conflict of the lyrical hero, torn between the desire to possess and the understanding of the destructiveness of their desires.

The address to the object of obsession, "On your own or chained to me," is a question that tears at the hero's soul. They long to know if their beloved is capable of independent existence, or if their bond is a shackle depriving them of freedom. The question "Did I hold you too tight?" sounds almost like an excuse, an attempt to shift responsibility for the suffocating atmosphere of the relationship onto the partner. The repeated question, "Did I not let enough light in?" betrays a fear of rejection, of being unloved. The lyrical hero tries to convince themselves and their victim that they are a source of warmth and care when in reality, they are binding and suffocating their partner with their love.

The lines "If a feeling arises / If your eyes start to wander / You should keep no secrets / I won't let you slip away" are already a blatant threat. The lyrical hero is not ready to accept the possibility of betrayal or departure; they intend to control every step, every thought of their victim.

The recurring lines "We used to be closer" reflect nostalgia for the past, perhaps an illusory stage of the relationship when closeness was desired by both sides. The question "Are you missing something?" sounds like an accusation, an attempt to induce guilt and regain control of the situation.

The final lines, "Winged or chained to me / I ask you: 'Would you stay?'" demonstrate that the lyrical hero doesn't care about their partner's true feelings. They are ready to accept them on any terms – winged or bound by the chains of their obsession.

The text "Chained" is a poignant exploration of the dark side of love, where obsession and fear of loss lead to the destruction of both the individual and the relationship.