Meaning of "Cruel" by The Preatures

In "Cruel" by The Preatures, the lyrics delve into a toxic relationship where one person is consistently mistreated by their partner. The protagonist addresses the emotional abuse they have been subjected to, highlighted by lyrics such as "I won't sit here taking this shit from you, 'Cause you're just cruel". The song captures the sense of hurt and defiance in the face of mistreatment, as the protagonist asserts their worth and refuses to tolerate further cruelty. The reference to being back in school suggests a regression to a juvenile dynamic where one person holds power over the other, reinforcing the unhealthy nature of the relationship. Overall, the song portrays the complexities of recognizing and breaking free from a harmful relationship dynamic.