Meaning of "You're a Cad" by The Bird And The Bee

The lyrics of "You're a Cad" by The Bird And The Bee delve into the emotional turmoil of being in a relationship with someone who is consistently dishonest and manipulative. The protagonist is fully aware of their partner's negative traits, portrayed as a cad, a bounder, a rascal, and a rogue, but despite this knowledge, they find themselves unable to let go. The internal struggle comes from a mix of self-awareness of the toxicity of the relationship and a craving for the familiar, even if it's harmful. The refrain "I should be better, but I'm worse" showcases the inner conflict of knowing what is right for them but failing to act upon it due to personal weaknesses and emotional attachments. The repeated lines about waiting by the phone and being unable to break the cycle highlight the difficulty of breaking free from a toxic dynamic despite the rational understanding of its detrimental effects.