Meaning of "Best Of Me" by Jazmine Sullivan

"Best Of Me" by Jazmine Sullivan explores the internal conflict of being trapped in a toxic relationship. The speaker grapples with the desire to break free from someone who brings them pain and suffering, but finds themselves unable to let go. The lyrics reflect the emotional turmoil of wanting to move on and make healthier choices, yet being unable to resist the pull of a toxic partner. The repetition of "I wanna say no, but all I say is yes" highlights the internal struggle between logic and emotions. Despite recognizing the harm caused by the relationship, the speaker feels unable to walk away because the person still holds power over them. The chorus emphasizes the idea that despite wanting to let go and move on, the toxic partner continues to have control over the speaker, symbolized by having the "best of me." The conflicting emotions of love and pain, desire to leave but inability to do so, and the struggle for independence and self-preservation all contribute to the complex emotional landscape described in the song.