Song meaning of Have to Be Around You by Brooke Bentham

The song "Have to Be Around You" by Brooke Bentham explores the complex emotions and conflicts that arise within a romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest an intense connection and dependency on the person they are addressing. The artist expresses the need to be around this individual to fully understand and experience their emotions, even though it can be difficult and potentially painful.

The lines "You're following me in // And watching me drip with treacle" could imply that this person closely observes and understands the singer's emotional state. The laughter of the individual indicates a sense of exclusion and not fully comprehending the inside jokes or experiences shared. The verses demonstrate a longing for the presence of the other person as a source of comfort, as expressed in the lines "I'm falling asleep again // Without you next to me."

The chorus highlights the slow and consuming nature of the relationship, acknowledging that despite not being able to claim it as their own, this person remains heavy on their mind. There is a deep understanding between the two without the need for words, as indicated by the line "Not a love I can call my own // I don't have to speak to know."

Throughout the song, there is a sense of doubt and uncertainty about the singer's feelings and the status of the relationship. The verse "Did I ever have control? // I felt it when I was alone" suggests a lack of agency and a struggle to maintain a sense of self within the connection. The repeated phrase "I think I love you" in the outro portrays the artist grappling with their emotions and questioning the validity of their love.

Overall, the song portrays the raw and vulnerable experience of being in a complicated relationship where deep emotions and uncertainties coexist. It highlights the power dynamics, longing, and self-doubt that can emerge when navigating complex romantic connections.