Meaning of "Loverboy" by You Me At Six

The lyrics of "Loverboy" delve into the persona of a manipulative individual who takes pleasure in toying with the hearts of others. The opening lines suggest that this person has lived a troubled past and is now trapped in a cycle of destructive behavior. Despite coming close to reaching a better place, they remain stuck, haunted by their past mistakes. The narrator confronts the loverboy, calling their bluff and asserting their superiority by looking down on them. There is a sense of satisfaction in seeing the loverboy squirm and beg for attention in small doses, unable to maintain healthy and meaningful relationships. The imagery of the scene smelling of dead roses evokes a sense of decay and emptiness that surrounds the loverboy's actions.

The repeated phrase "Loverboy, you play those hearts like toys" reinforces the idea of the loverboy's manipulative nature and their lack of remorse for their actions. The narrator questions whether the loverboy feels any guilt for the pain they cause, highlighting the lack of empathy and their willingness to exploit others. The loverboy is portrayed as reckless and impulsive, driven by their own desires and fears of the dark that lurk within them. The night that they offer may seem enticing, but it will ultimately lead to regret in the morning.

The lyrics also touch on the complicated dynamics of the narrator's relationship with the loverboy. The line "If given the choice, would you do it again? 'Of course I would, of course I should'" suggests a sense of familiarity and acceptance of the loverboy's flaws. The narrator admits to being a friend with benefits, someone who is aware of the loverboy's toxic nature but chooses to engage in the relationship nonetheless. This raises questions about the narrator's own motivations and whether they are complicit in perpetuating the loverboy's behavior.

Overall, "Loverboy" portrays a deeply flawed individual who manipulates and uses others for their own pleasure, without any regard for the consequences. It highlights the cyclical nature of destructive relationships and questions the morality and accountability of both the loverboy and those who enable their behavior.