Meaning of "Stained" by Tori Kelly

The lyrics of "Stained" by Tori Kelly delve into the speaker's thoughts and emotions surrounding their fear of starting a new relationship. They acknowledge their tendency to push people away, possibly due to past experiences or insecurities. Despite this, they feel a strong pull towards someone, evident in the line "something keeps pulling me back into your atmosphere." The speaker is aware of their past mistakes and the marks they have left on others, which they admit "seem to never wanna disappear."

The repetition of the phrase "push, push, push you away" emphasizes the speaker's repeated behavior of distancing themselves from potential romantic partners. They express a genuine desire to take a chance on this person, but their hesitation stems from a fear of breaking their heart. The line "I never meant to hurt nobody" portrays the speaker's remorse for past actions and a sincere intention to avoid causing harm in the future.

The theme of caution and the fear of leaving a lasting stain on someone's life is prevalent throughout the song. The speaker fears that if they were to let go or slip away from this person, their name would forever be "stained" on their lips. This notion of staining reflects the lasting impact the speaker believes they could have on this individual, and they are wary of allowing themselves to become emotionally involved.

The lyrics also touch upon the external pressure the speaker feels from others, with the line "Feels like everybody's watching, to see what my next move is." This suggests that the speaker may be dealing with outside judgment or expectations, adding an additional layer of complexity to their decision-making process.

Ultimately, the speaker acknowledges the importance of taking their time with love and not rushing into a relationship. They want to work on themselves, as evidenced by the line "Still working up the kinks in my tainted love." This shows a sense of self-awareness and a willingness to address their past mistakes and emotional baggage before fully committing to someone else.

In conclusion, "Stained" by Tori Kelly explores the speaker's fear of starting a new relationship, their pattern of pushing people away, and their desire to avoid causing harm to others. It highlights their cautious nature and the lasting impact they believe they could have on someone's life. The lyrics suggest a need for self-reflection and personal growth before fully embracing love.