Meaning of "Fool Me Once" by Y'akoto

The lyrics of "Fool Me Once" delve into the complex emotions and dynamics of a toxic relationship. The opening lines, "Say it's not my fault my heart resigns, I don't want to know go leave me blind" suggest a sense of resignation and a desire to remain ignorant of the truth. The speaker acknowledges that they have made others believe everything was alright, but instead of finding happiness, they have been hurt by their partner's actions. The line "You make it hurt instead so I get high" could be interpreted as the speaker seeking escapism through substances or using the pain as a way to feel something, highlighting the destructive nature of the relationship.

The repetition of the phrase "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me too" emphasizes the cyclical nature of the relationship. It shows the speaker's realization that they have been repeatedly deceived and hurt, yet they continue to forgive and deny the reality of their situation. This speaks to the complex emotions that can be involved in a toxic relationship, where the lines between love and denial become blurred.

The line "We do this everyday we don't get tired, one two three we play, I win, you win" hints at the cycle of fighting, crying, and forgiveness that occurs on a daily basis. The repetition of "rock, paper, scissors" further reinforces the idea of a repeated game, where the outcome is unpredictable and both parties participate willingly despite the pain.

The lyrics conclude with the lines "feeling it burn, I'm not gonna run from me and you." This suggests that despite the pain and realization of their own role in the toxic dynamic, the speaker chooses not to run away from the relationship. It could reflect a certain level of addiction or fear of being alone, as well as a glimmer of hope that things could change.

In essence, "Fool Me Once" explores the themes of heartbreak, denial, and the repetitive nature of toxic relationships. It offers a glimpse into the conflicting emotions that can arise in such situations and raises questions about self-awareness, vulnerability, and the possibility of breaking free from destructive patterns.