Meaning of "It Makes Me Ill" by *NSYNC

The lyrics of "It Makes Me Ill" by NSYNC are about the narrator's struggle with jealousy and heartbreak after a breakup. The song expresses the emotions felt when seeing an ex with a new partner. Through the lyrics, the narrator conveys a mix of resentment, longing, and desperation. The narrator is hanging out with friends and unexpectedly sees their ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend. This sight triggers feelings of jealousy and regret, as the narrator hoped to never see her with someone else. They express their dissatisfaction with the new boyfriend, claiming that he is not the type she had previously expressed an interest in and criticizing his style and clothing. The narrator's jealousy becomes evident, as they make it clear that they want her back and are only hating on the new boyfriend because they still desire a relationship with her. They believe that the new boyfriend is not capable of loving her the way they can. The lyrics suggest that the narrator believes there is still a chance for them to get back together, that their love for her is stronger than the new relationship. They plead with her to let go of the new boyfriend and express the pain and frustration they feel when they see her with someone else. The repetition of the phrase "It makes me Ill" emphasizes the strong emotional impact it has on the narrator and how much it hurts to witness their ex-girlfriend giving her love and attention to someone else. Overall, the song reveals the raw and intense feelings of jealousy and heartache that can arise when a person is still in love with their ex and is unable to let go.