Meaning of "How Come You Don't Want Me" by Tegan And Sara

The lyrics of "How Come You Don't Want Me" reveal the narrator's vulnerability and emotional turmoil caused by the rejection of someone they love. The repeated question of "How come you don't want me now?" represents their confusion and disbelief at being discarded. This line also reflects their desperation for a reason or explanation. The narrator struggles with their self-worth, hating themselves for loving someone who does not reciprocate their feelings. The contrast between the two verses, where the narrator compares themselves to the new girl the person is with, highlights their insecurity and feeling of inadequacy. They believe that they have nothing to offer, that they are insufficient in comparison to the other girl. This contributes to their pain and the sense that they are not valued by the person they love. Despite this, the narrator still yearns for their attention and affection, hoping that the person will come back to them. The repetition of the questions "Why don't you want to wait this out?" and "Why don't you want to win me now?" showcases their desire to be pursued and chosen. The lyrics also hint at a sense of powerlessness, as the person constantly leads the narrator on but never follows through on their promises or calls. The closing lines, "One day soon, I won't be the one who waits on you / Some day soon, I won't be the one who waits on you," reveal the narrator's determination to move on and break free from this unhealthy dynamic. However, there is still a tinge of sadness as they acknowledge that the person may eventually not even recognize or remember them. Overall, the lyrics convey the raw emotions of unrequited love, rejection, and the struggle to find self-worth in the face of heartbreak.