Meaning of "Damned" by The White Buffalo
The lyrics of "Damned" delve into themes of unrequited love, longing, and desperation. The narrator's actions of following someone home and hiding in the shadows indicate a sense of obsession and a deep desire for connection. However, they also acknowledge the potential wrongness of their actions, highlighting a conflict between their desires and their ethical boundaries.
There is a clear sense of loneliness and yearning throughout the song. The narrator feels that there is no love left, and they express uncertainty about whether the person they are pursuing genuinely needs more from them. This uncertainty suggests that they may be aware of the one-sided nature of their affection. The repeated refrain "Damned if you do, damned if you don't" reveals the narrator's internal struggle and the feeling of being trapped in their desire for reciprocation. They desperately want the person to make a move, but doubt that they ever will.
The lyrics also touch upon the deceptive nature of love. The line "Make-believe wears a thin disguise, this love's just a lonesome lie" suggests that the narrator recognizes the illusion they have built around their love interest, seeing it as nothing more than a lonely and broken fantasy. It represents their awareness of the unfulfilled nature of their affections.
Overall, the lyrics of "Damned" paint a picture of a person consumed by unrequited love, grappling with their desires and the potential consequences of their actions. It explores the complexities of romantic longing and the internal conflicts that arise when those desires are not reciprocated.