The lyrics of "TKO" describe a cycle of being knocked down and trying to understand why it keeps happening, ultimately resigning to the abuse and damage inflicted by someone who keeps coming back to attack the persona.

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Meaning of "TKO" by Motion City Soundtrack


The lyrics of "TKO" seem to delve into the theme of toxic relationships or interactions that repeatedly leave the persona feeling defeated and knocked down. Despite trying to cut the other person out and move on, they keep coming back to cause more harm, leading to confusion and frustration on the persona's part. The repeated lines of "You keep knocking me out" reflect a sense of helplessness and resignation in the face of this ongoing cycle, where the persona acknowledges the abuse but seems unable to break free from it. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the destructive patterns that can exist in relationships, whether romantic or otherwise, and the struggle to break free from them even when the damage is acknowledged. The final lines, "It's not about you, It's the damage I long to endure," could suggest a willingness to endure the pain and abuse, perhaps due to a sense of familiarity or comfort in the damage caused by this toxic relationship.