Meaning of "Just" by Mark Ronson

The lyrics of "Just" by Mark Ronson explore the themes of toxic relationships and self-destructive behavior. The protagonist, referred to as "he," is described as someone who has a negative influence on the narrator's life. The repetition of "you do it to yourself" emphasizes the agency and responsibility the protagonist has in causing their own pain. The line "And that's what really hurts" suggests that the narrator, although aware of the self-inflicted nature of their suffering, still experiences genuine pain from it. The mention of changing locks and the protagonist still being able to "reel through the door" illustrates the inability to escape the toxic relationship. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of manipulation and control, with the mention of the protagonist teaching the narrator "how to be a holy cow" and "how to get to purest hell." This suggests that the protagonist takes pleasure in exerting power and influence over the narrator, further deepening the toxic dynamic. Overall, "Just" conveys the sense of being trapped in a destructive relationship where the protagonist's actions, although causing pain, are willingly accepted by the narrator.