The song describes a toxic relationship where the narrator knows they are being mistreated but continues to stay, unable to let go despite feeling foolish for loving someone who doesn't reciprocate fully. The repeated cycle of leaving and returning to the toxic partner is portrayed as going "in circles."

Meaning of "Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)" by Jazmine Sullivan

The lyrics of "Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)" by Jazmine Sullivan capture the emotional turmoil of being stuck in a toxic relationship. The narrator is well aware of the mistreatment they are receiving from their partner, expressing feelings of frustration and confusion about their inability to break free. Despite feeling used and unloved, the narrator struggles to leave, showcasing the complexities of love and attachment. The cycle of leaving only to return illustrates the internal conflict within the narrator, torn between their desire for happiness and their deep-rooted feelings for their partner. The lyrics convey a sense of powerlessness and emotional dependency that often characterize toxic relationships, highlighting the difficulty of breaking free even when one knows they deserve better. The repetition of "going in circles" emphasizes the cyclical nature of this unhealthy dynamic, where despite the narrator's longing to break free, they find themselves unable to escape the pattern of returning to their toxic partner.