Meaning of "Control" by Stabbing Westward

The lyrics of "Control" by Stabbing Westward delve into the theme of toxic relationships and the loss of self-identity that can occur when one gives too much power to another person. The repeated phrase "I gave you my soul, I gave you control of me" highlights the power dynamics within the relationship, where one person has taken over the emotional, psychological, and possibly even physical wellbeing of the speaker. The line "Now I just can't believe in myself or anything" speaks to the devastating impact this loss of agency has had on the speaker's sense of self-worth and belief in their own abilities. The plea "can't you just believe 'you are my everything'" reveals a desperate attempt to regain some semblance of control, only to face further emotional manipulation and gaslighting. Overall, the song conveys a sense of helplessness, vulnerability, and the struggle to break free from a toxic cycle of control and dependency.