Meaning of "Nothing Without You" by The Weeknd

The lyrics of "Nothing Without You" delve into the profound dependency and love the speaker feels for someone. It begins with the realization that the speaker belongs to this person, and they try to escape the darkness that comes with being without them. The lines "Don't stop your lovin', walk out on me, Don't stop for nothin', you're what I bleed" highlight the speaker's plea for the other person to continue loving them, as their love is vital to their existence.

The speaker acknowledges their past mistakes, admitting that they were too busy trying to find their lover with someone else. It suggests that the speaker was insecure and possibly jealous, but they now recognize the futility of such behavior. They admit that the person they couldn't stand to be with was themselves, revealing a struggle with self-acceptance and personal growth. The line "The one I couldn't stand, to be with was myself" showcases the self-loathing and dissatisfaction the speaker experienced before finding love.

The repeated phrase "I'd be nothin', nothin', nothin', nothin' without you" reinforces the idea that the speaker's entire existence and sense of self is defined by their love for this person. The use of repetition emphasizes their dependence and the emptiness they would feel without their lover. It highlights their understanding that their identity and happiness are intimately tied to this relationship.

The lyrics also touch on the fear of loss and absence. The speaker poses the question, "If I die tonight, would you regret it?" highlighting their anxiety about being forgotten and the significance of their presence in the other person's life. This question reflects the speaker's need for reassurance and validation from their lover.

The song's bridge brings up the speaker's hesitance when it comes to love and their admission of guilt for hesitating. It suggests that the speaker is in love, but their fear and past experiences have made them cautious. They convey that they crave the other person's touch and that it drives them to insanity. This desperation for physical contact accentuates the intensity and depth of their emotions.

Overall, "Nothing Without You" explores the theme of love, dependency, and self-discovery. It portrays a protagonist who realizes that their happiness and identity are intertwined with their lover's presence. The lyrics express the longing for love, acceptance, and the transformative power of a significant relationship.