Meaning of "Liability" by Lorde

In "Liability," Lorde explores the theme of feeling like too much for others to handle. The persona describes a situation where someone she cared about hurt her and distanced themselves from her. She finds solace in the arms of a girl that she loves, emphasizing that this is the only relationship she hasn't messed up. However, even this connection is challenging, as the girl is hard to please and compares her to a forest fire – wild and unpredictable.

The persona acknowledges that she may be overwhelming and accepts that she is a liability to those around her. She understands that people pull back and make other plans because she is "a little much for them." This constant rejection leads to her feeling like a toy that people enjoy until her novelty wears off, eventually leaving her bored and alone. She shares her internal struggle, where the excitement of life eats away at her until she is left empty and better off on her own.

The lyrics show the persona's self-awareness of her intensity and how it affects her relationships. She recognizes that others find her too much and that she often becomes too invested in others, losing herself in the process. The repetition of "E-a-na-na-na, everyone" highlights how her intensity is a problem for everyone she encounters.

The song's meaning can be related to Lorde's personal journey of fame and the pressures that come with it. The idea of being too much for others can reflect how she is viewed by the public and the expectations placed on her as a celebrity. It also delves into the universal feeling of not fitting in and the fear of being abandoned or forgotten.

Overall, "Liability" explores themes of rejection, self-acceptance, and the struggle to find a place where one's intensity is welcomed. Lorde expresses vulnerability and captures the emotional turmoil of feeling like a burden to others while acknowledging her worth and finding strength in embracing her independence.