Meaning of "Everybody Loves/The Def Of You" by Ne-Yo

The lyrics of the song "Everybody Loves/The Def Of You" by Ne-Yo explore themes of superficiality, opportunism, and the allure of external beauty. The protagonist finds himself entangled with a woman, Tammy Vanity, who only shows interest in him when he is at the height of his success and surrounded by celebrities. Despite recognizing her shallow motives and manipulative behavior, the protagonist continues to engage with her, motivated by physical attraction and perhaps a desire to avoid confronting his own insecurities. The protagonist grapples with the conflicting emotions of judgment towards Tammy and his own complicity in their toxic relationship. Through the character of Tammy Vanity, the lyrics delve into the dangers of prioritizing external appearances over genuine connections and the ways in which people can be consumed by the allure of fame and status. The cautionary tale within the lyrics serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of allowing superficiality and opportunism to dictate one's relationships and self-worth.