Meaning of "I Love You More Than You Love Yourself" by Austra

The lyrics of "I Love You More Than You Love Yourself" convey a complex and somewhat painful dynamic within a relationship. The first line, "There is nothing in your soul tonight," suggests a sense of emptiness or emotional void. The narrator sees only darkness, a metaphorical representation of the other person's state of mind. The line "The past, how thick it grows" alludes to the weight of unresolved issues and past experiences that have shaped the person's current detachment or indifference.

The repetition of the phrase "try a little bit harder, baby" emphasizes the narrator's desire for the other person to make an effort. It implies the belief that if they can push through their emotional barriers, they can rediscover what brings them joy and fulfillment. The lyric "You're a stranger to what makes you feel good" suggests that the person has lost touch with their own desires and needs, possibly due to prior traumas or self-doubt. The narrator loves them more than they love themselves, indicating a deep level of care and perhaps even self-sacrifice in the relationship.

The subsequent lines, "On top of it, pulling out the nails, in a moment of calm, still feels good, but it's been so long," add another layer of emotional complexity. They imply that even though there may be moments of temporary relief or pleasure, the underlying issues are still present and have been neglected for a considerable period. The act of "pulling out the nails" can be interpreted as a metaphorical attempt to alleviate pain or remove barriers, but it is only a momentary respite. The repetition of "still feels good, but it's been so long" suggests that the relationship has been in this state of limbo for an extended period, with moments of relief becoming increasingly infrequent.

Overall, the lyrics of "I Love You More Than You Love Yourself" tackle themes of emotional detachment, self-neglect, and the search for self-discovery within a strained relationship. It highlights the complexities and challenges that arise when one person loves the other more than they love themselves. It serves as a reflection on the importance of self-love and the need for both individuals in a relationship to have a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.