Meaning of "Young Lover" by St. Vincent

"Young Lover" dives into the complex emotions surrounding a relationship plagued by substance abuse. The lyrics depict a narrator who is deeply in love with a person struggling with addiction. The verses paint a vivid picture of the lover's state, with lines like "I found you in the bathtub, with your clothing on" suggesting the chaos and disarray that addiction can bring. The reference to rubber gloves represents the narrator's role as a caregiver, tasked with cleaning up the aftermath of their lover's addictive behavior.

The chorus captures the narrator's desperate plea for their lover to wake up from the grip of addiction. They long to be the drug that can save their lover or provide the solace they seek. This highlights the theme of dependency, where the narrator wishes their love alone were enough to cure their lover's struggles and fill the void left by addiction. The repetition of "enough" emphasizes the narrator's longing for their love to be sufficient to save their partner.

The mention of the lover's dismissive response, "You say you got no room to talk, babe, you're boozin' on a midday," portrays the lover's defensiveness and denial. The narrator recognizes the destructive behaviors but struggles to make their partner understand the impact it has on the relationship. The reference to pills the narrator can't pronounce further emphasizes the chaos of addiction, where tangible substances take precedence over emotional connection.

The lyrics take a reflective turn when the narrator reminisces about a trip to Paris. Despite the beauty of the Eiffel Tower and the surroundings, the joy is marred by the lover's addiction. The mention of hearing robins but mistaking them for sirens reveals the constant fear and anxiety that pervades the relationship. The plea to "wake up" assumes a double meaning, conveying both the lover's physical presence and their escape from addiction.

Overall, "Young Lover" delves into the complexities of loving someone battling addiction. It portrays the pain, longing, and burning desire for their partner to wake up from the darkness of substance abuse and be present in the relationship.