Meaning of "Love & War" by Yellow Claw

"Love & War" delves into the complexities and hardships of romantic relationships. The lyrics capture the intense emotions felt when trust is broken and love turns to heartbreak. The opening lines, "Cut me through my skin, Through the heart, yeah, you went right in," evoke a vivid image of vulnerability and the deep wounds caused by the betrayal of a loved one. The speaker fell for every word that was said, only to find themselves unable to stay in the relationship. This reflects the common struggle of wanting to hold on to a connection despite the pain it brings.

The chorus emphasizes the contradictory nature of love and war, where fairness is often elusive. The repetitive phrase "We build it up, build it up to break it down" signifies the cycle of love and heartbreak. Relationships are built with hope and expectations, only to fall apart and leave us lost until we find ourselves again. The mention of being "high further from the crown" suggests that the pursuit of love sometimes takes us further from the happiness and fulfillment we seek. The line "I can't do this anymore" reflects the speaker's exhaustion with the emotional turmoil, indicating a desire to move on from the pain.

The repeated phrase "so unfair" highlights the feelings of injustice and disappointment experienced by the speaker. They believed the initial promises made in the relationship, only to see those promises shattered and themselves left as a stranger. This sense of unfairness stems from the contrast between the expectations and reality of love. The speaker questions why some things have to end this way, expressing a longing for understanding and resolution.

Ultimately, the song captures the raw emotions and complexities of love and the unforeseen challenges that can arise in relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability, heartbreak, and the struggle to find solace and closure in the aftermath of a failed connection.