Meaning of "I'm Leaving You (Commit A Crime)" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd

The lyrics of "I'm Leaving You (Commit A Crime)" by Kenny Wayne Shepherd portray a toxic and abusive relationship where the woman is depicted as being manipulative and malicious towards the man. The man feels compelled to leave her before he is driven to retaliate or harm her in response to her attempts to poison him. The lyrics highlight the themes of betrayal, survival, and escaping from a harmful situation. The repeated mention of poison and dangerous substances symbolizes the destructive nature of the relationship, where trust has been shattered and the man is forced to protect himself by walking away. By drawing a parallel between physical harm and emotional manipulation, the song underscores the devastating impact of toxic relationships on one's well-being.