Meaning of "Safer To Hate Her" by You Me At Six

"Safer To Hate Her" delves into the complexities and contradictions that can arise in relationships. The opening lines immediately set the tone of the song, expressing the sentiment that no matter how much they had, it was never enough. The narrator reveals that they made a mistake by giving up on their partner, but now they are in a state of confusion and uncertainty about where their mind was during that time. The line "I woke up, I cashed in all of my luck" suggests that they initially felt lucky to have their partner, but now they realize they may have squandered that chance.

The chorus highlights the conflicting emotions of the narrator, suggesting that it might be easier to hate their partner than to face the pain of loving and eventually losing them. This can be seen as a defense mechanism, an attempt to protect oneself from experiencing further heartache. The repetition of the line "It'd be safer to hate her all around" strengthens the idea that hating the person might serve as a shield against vulnerability and emotional pain.

The second verse continues to explore the narrator's internal struggle. They mention catching their partner laughing, possibly indicating that they have moved on or found happiness without the narrator. This realization makes the narrator try to compensate by putting on a happy facade, but deep down, they are disappointed in themselves for their mistakes. The line "I am pushing everyone that was in, out" suggests a self-destructive tendency, causing the narrator to push away those who care about them.

The bridge introduces a universal question about the nature of existence and the connection between life and death. The lines "When we die, do we feel alive?" bring an existential element to the song, perhaps reflecting the narrator's feelings of emptiness and confusion. Overall, the lyrics explore the complexities of love and the internal conflicts that can arise when relationships break down or become complicated.