Meaning of "Whipping Boy" by Elton John

The song "Whipping Boy" by Elton John delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional relationship where one person consistently mistreats the other, yet the victim remains devoted. The lyrics illustrate the inner conflict of feeling hurt and manipulated by the partner's actions but being unable to break away fully. There is a sense of pain and resignation but also a hint of masochistic pleasure in enduring the suffering. The narrator's refusal to be a "whipping boy" implies a desire for self-respect and empowerment, yet they are also drawn to the chaos and intensity of the destructive relationship. The reference to feeling older than they are physically alludes to the emotional toll of the toxic dynamic. The lyrics capture the struggle of trying to break free from a harmful attachment while also being drawn back in by the allure of the familiar, no matter how detrimental it may be.