Meaning of "Never Enough" by Mudvayne

The song "Never Enough" delves into the emotions of feeling inadequate and unfulfilled in a relationship. The narrator describes their weariness, physical pain, and a jaded heart, emphasizing their struggles and sacrifices to please their partner. The repetition of "All I ever want to be, All I ever need to be, Was whatever you wanted me to" reflects the desperate desire to meet the expectations and demands of the significant other. However, the phrase "But you took that from me" indicates that the partner has taken advantage of the narrator's willingness to comply, leaving them drained and unappreciated. The line "I was never enough for you" reveals a sense of personal inadequacy and a lack of self-worth. The narrator's frustration is palpable in the plea "Don't waste my time, Don't waste my" as they yearn for the partner to respect their emotions and not prolong the pain. The chorus is a powerful affirmation of their realization that they were never enough for the partner, and the repeated line "I should have known, I should've known" indicates self-blame and regret for not recognizing this earlier. The bridge introduces a shift in perspective as the narrator reflects on the constant questioning from others and their decision to shut out the outside world by closing their eyes and waving goodbye. The final lines "Time, pushing forward, I'm sick and tired, Need a little shelter" convey a sense of exhaustion and the need for solace from the emotional turmoil. The imagery of cutting oneself open and leaving oneself for the winner illustrates the narrator's willingness to sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of the relationship, suggesting a codependent dynamic. The song concludes with a firm declaration that the narrator will no longer waste their time, emphasizing their newfound self-assertion and the refusal to be taken advantage of any longer.