Savior Complex
Phoebe Bridgers Lyrics

Emotional affair
A relationship that goes beyond simple friendship and involves emotional connection and dependency.

Overly sincere
Someone who tries too hard to be honest and genuine, perhaps to the point of being insincere.

Smoking in the car
A dangerous and self-destructive habit that is being done despite the obvious negative consequences.

Windows up
To hide the act of smoking from outsiders, or to contain the fumes in the car.

Crocodile tears
Fake or insincere tears meant to manipulate or gain sympathy from others.

Run the tap 'til it's clear
Trying to purge oneself of guilt or shame by washing away the stains with water, often fruitlessly.

Drift off on the floor
To feel overwhelmed and defeated by one's emotions, sinking to a low point and becoming unresponsive.

I drag you to the shore
Trying to save someone from self-destruction or harm, even though they may not want to be saved or feel helpless.

Sweating through the heat
Enduring an uncomfortable or unbearable situation because there is no other choice.

You're gonna drown in your sleep
The artist foresees the person's self-destructive tendencies as leading to their ultimate downfall and death.

For sure, wake up and start a big fire
The person is encouraged to wake up and express their emotions in a dramatic and intense way, but in doing so, they may hurt themselves or cause damage.

In our one room apartment
The living space of the people involved is cramped and intimate, perhaps limiting their ability to escape one another or their problems.

But I'm too tired
The singer doesn't have the energy or desire to engage in a conflict or argument, despite the other person's provocation.

To have a pissing contest
To engage in a petty or competitive conflict with the other person, attempting to prove oneself as superior or dominant.

All the bad dreams that you hide
The person harbors painful memories, fears, or emotions that they keep hidden and private, perhaps out of shame or fear of rejection.

Show me yours, I'll show you mine
The artist offers a gesture of vulnerability and trust, hoping to encourage the other person to similarly reveal their own struggles and pain.

Call me when you land
A message of caring and support towards somebody who is traveling or facing a difficult journey.

I'll drive around again
The singer is willing to put in effort and time to help the other person or to find meaningful connection between them.

One hand on the wheel
The singer is in control of their own life and decisions, but still trying to navigate the rocky terrain of their relationship with the other person.

One in your mouth
The other person is demanding and taking up space in the artist's life, their presence always felt and inescapable.

Turn me on and turn me down
The other person is inconsistent and unpredictable in their emotional and physical attentions towards the artist.

Baby, you're a vampire
A metaphor for the way the other person drains and feeds off the artist's emotions and energy, perhaps becoming overly dependent on their support.

You want blood and I promised
The singer has made a commitment or promise to help the other person or to be in a relationship with them, but now feels overwhelmed or trapped by their demands.

I'm a bad liar
The artist doesn't have the ability or confidence to convincingly hide their true feelings or intentions, perhaps leading to conflict or hurt between them and the other person.

With a savior complex
The singer feels responsible for rescuing or saving the other person from their own self-destructive tendencies, even though it may not be healthy or possible to do so.

All the skeletons you hide
The other person keeps secrets or has a dark past that they are reluctant to share with the singer, perhaps fearing rejection or judgment.

Show me yours, and I'll show you mine
The singer offers to reveal their own flaws and secrets in exchange for the other person opening up and trusting them, hoping to deepen their connection despite the turbulence of their relationship.