Meaning of "Build Me Up" by Huey Lewis & The News

The lyrics of "Build Me Up" by Huey Lewis & The News explore the themes of manipulation and emotional abuse within a relationship. The narrator expresses frustration at being used by their partner, who boosts their ego only to tear them down later. The emotional rollercoaster of feeling built up and then let down, treated like a man one moment and a clown the next, highlights the toxic nature of the relationship. The repetition of being used and the realization of paying the price for it for the rest of their life underscore the lasting impact of such mistreatment. The imagery of being hung on a string emphasizes the feeling of being controlled and manipulated, unable to break free from the cycle of emotional abuse. Overall, the lyrics serve as a poignant portrayal of the damaging effects of a manipulative relationship on one's self-worth and emotional well-being.