Meaning of "Antidote" by The Hives

The lyrics of "Antidote" by The Hives delve into the theme of a toxic relationship, where one person holds power and control over the other. The bitter taste in the mouth symbolizes the unpleasant experiences and emotions caused by this toxic dynamic. The protagonist acknowledges that it is too late to undo the damage already done, indicating a sense of regret and awareness of their harmful actions. Despite this realization, they revel in the power they hold over their partner, relishing the control they have by keeping them trapped in the relationship. The repeated lines "You want antidote, I got the poison" emphasize the manipulation and emotional manipulation at play. It suggests that the protagonist knows their partner desires an antidote, a way to escape the toxicity, but instead, they offer them more of the poison that caused the pain in the first place. The refusal to let go and allow the partner to find healing or move on demonstrates a deep-seated insecurity and fear of losing control. The song portrays a dynamic where one person thrives off the dominance they have over the other, exploiting their vulnerability and maintaining a toxic cycle of dependency.