Meaning of "Vanity" by Highly Suspect

"Vanity" delves into the destructive nature of vanity and how it can hinder genuine connections. The opening lines, "Can't you figure it out, or do I have to write it down for you?" suggest the frustration and exhaustion the narrator feels in dealing with someone who is oblivious to their own vanity. The repetition of the phrase "over and over again" emphasizes the cyclical nature of this toxic behavior.

The chorus highlights the chilling effect that vanity has on relationships, as the narrator describes it as being "cold" in their heart and soul. The line "I guess anything goes when you're waiting for the one that you love" implies that the person's vanity has caused them to lose sight of what truly matters and to prioritize their own desires above genuine connection.

The narrator's search for love and their willingness to put in effort is expressed through the line "I've searched my soul for you today, but this feeling is getting old." However, despite their efforts, they feel abandoned and discarded, reflected in the imagery of their love being beneath a "cornerstone that the builder threw away."

The bridge of the song reveals the narrator's frustration reaching its peak, as they declare that they cannot sit idly by and watch the relationship deteriorate. There is a sense of desperation in their plea for the other person to be present, expressing that they have tried and will continue to try, despite the pain that it brings. The final line, "This is not the end," is a declaration of hope and determination, a refusal to let their love fade away.

Overall, "Vanity" explores the destructive nature of self-centeredness and the longing for a genuine connection. It highlights the frustration and pain that arise when one person in a relationship is consumed by their own vanity, and the determination to fight for love despite these challenges.