Meaning of "Frustrated" by The Knack

The lyrics of "Frustrated" capture the dynamic of a toxic relationship where one person holds power over the other through manipulation and teasing. The woman in the song is portrayed as someone who dangles affection and attention in front of the speaker, only to withdraw it and leave him feeling frustrated and used. This power play creates a sense of desperation and longing in the speaker, who wants to please the woman but is constantly met with disappointment. The lyrics further emphasize the destructive nature of this relationship by describing the speaker as feeling weak, out of breath, and like a total wreck. The repeated use of phrases like "wanna hold you" and "wanna feed you" highlights the speaker's desire for genuine connection and affection, which is consistently denied by the woman's manipulative behavior. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of helplessness and disillusionment in the face of a toxic relationship characterized by emotional manipulation and power struggles.