When I sat down on the bed next to you
You started to cry
I said, maybe if I leave, you'll want me
To come back home
Or maybe all you mean, is leave me alone
At least that's what you said

You're irresistible when you get mad
Isn't it sad, I'm immune
I thought it was cute
For you to kiss
My purple black eye
Even though I caught it from you
I still think we're serious
At least that's what you said

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wilco's song At Least That's What You Said describe a complex relationship dynamic where the singer is dealing with their partner's emotional outbursts. As the song begins, the singer tries to comfort their partner who is crying. In the second verse, the partner gets angry and the singer finds this irresistible, even though they know it's not healthy. The bridge of the song reveals that the singer has a black eye given to them by the partner but still believes the relationship is serious.

The lyrics of the song tackle themes like codependence, toxic behavior, and the acceptance of abuse. The lines "maybe if I leave, you'll want me to come back home" imply that the partner has some control over the relationship and is intentionally causing distress to keep the singer close. The repeated phrase "at least that's what you said" creates a sense of uncertainty around what the partner actually means, and whether they are trustworthy. The song overall portrays a difficult relationship that is hard to escape.

Line by Line Meaning

When I sat down on the bed next to you
As soon as I took a seat next to you on the bed

You started to cry
You began to weep in tears

I said, maybe if I leave, you'll want me To come back home
I suggested you might want me to return home after I leave

Or maybe all you mean, is leave me alone
Perhaps you are expressing a desire for me to leave you alone

At least that's what you said
That was the message conveyed through your words

You're irresistible when you get mad
You possess an alluring charm when you become angry

Isn't it sad, I'm immune
It is unfortunate that I am desensitized to your anger

I thought it was cute For you to kiss My purple black eye
I found it endearing when you kissed my bruised and swollen eye

Even though I caught it from you
Despite the fact that you were the one who caused the injury

I still think we're serious
I believe that our relationship is significant and meaningful

At least that's what you said
That was the message conveyed through your words

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