Meaning of "Studying Politics" by Emery

The lyrics in "Studying Politics" delve into the dynamics of a toxic relationship where one person is constantly manipulating and deceiving the other. The opening lines, "It's like a pencil with erasers at both ends, I want it all, but we're dealing in percents," illustrate the imbalance and lack of fulfillment in the connection. The use of the metaphor emphasizes the temporary and changeable nature of their relationship, as if it could be erased or edited at any moment.

The lyrics continue to describe the activities that the other person engages in, suggesting that their actions are calculated and strategic. This is highlighted by the phrase, "This is the politics of seeing you dance with him." Here, the speaker feels like they are being played in a game where the other person is using their actions to manipulate and control the situation.

The line, "Your words always cut when they're cliché, but here's my knife because I came for the buffet," reflects the speaker's awareness of the other person's insincere and repetitive words. They acknowledge that these words may hurt, but they are not taken seriously anymore. The speaker is ready to challenge and confront the other person, symbolized by the metaphorical knife they bring to the "buffet" of empty words.

Throughout the song, the speaker expresses their frustration and disappointment with the other person's behavior. It's clear that the other person tries to convince the speaker that they are the best part of their life, but the speaker confesses that there is nothing left of them. This demonstrates the speaker's realization that they have been deceived and manipulated by false promises and appearances.

The use of the phrase "words that oh so tightly fit" suggests that the other person carefully crafts their words to fit a specific narrative, further emphasizing their deceitful nature. They use their hands and tears for emphasis, further manipulating the speaker's emotions and reactions.

In the outro, the lyrics mention a "black dress" and "white white lies," indicating that the other person continues to deceive and hide their true intentions. The repetition of the phrase "white white lies" underscores the ongoing pattern of dishonesty and manipulation.

Overall, "Studying Politics" is a reflection on the dynamics of a toxic relationship, where one person uses manipulation and deceit to control and hurt the other. The lyrics capture the speaker's frustration, realization, and eventual willingness to confront the lies and falsehoods in the relationship.