Dead End
Anna Clendening Lyrics
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At the edge of my bed with your hand on my leg
What you smiling for?
Was it something I said? Is she back already?
Know that I shouldn't get used to you
I keep my composure
Used to being used by you
That you walked in my room
Smelling like her perfume
Or that I called you first
Thought that I was immune
Wouldn't let you get any closer
I shouldn't get used to you
Losing my composure
You love me being lost in you
You lie on my sheets, then lie to my face
I lie through my teeth and say I'm okay
Won't settle for a second place
You could say you warned me
But this time I mean it
I'm so sick of these dead end feelings
Scrolling through my thoughts
At the edge of regret, got my hands on my head
I gotta cut you off
Hope it hurts you like it hurt me
You're gonna have to stop getting so used to me
Always crawling back to, let you get the best of me
You lie on my sheets, then lie to my face
(You lie to my face)
I lie through my teeth and say I'm okay
(Say I'm okay)
Won't settle for a second place
You could say you warned me
But this time I mean it
I'm so sick of these dead end feelings
Missed calls and text messages
I deserve more than this
Not just when I am with you
When she is just pissed off at you
And you tell her you're through
You'll crawl right on back
In a day or two, déjà-vu
I know you'll never change
And I, I will never stay
‘Cause your lies they stay the same
On my own I will be okay
You lie on my sheets, then lie to my face
I lie through my teeth and say I'm okay
Won't settle for a second place
You could say you warned me
But fuck if you mean it
I'm so sick of these dead end feelings
In "Dead End," Anna Clendening sings about a toxic relationship with someone who is not fully committed to her. The song opens with the singer noticing her partner's distance, observing him looking at his phone and wondering if another woman is texting him. She is aware of her tendency to allow him to use her and tries to maintain her composure but is tired of getting used to his lack of commitment. She admits that one of the worst moments is when he walks into her room, smelling of another woman's perfume. Similarly, she knows that she should not be lying to herself that a settling relationship with him is better than none at all. The chorus finds her struggling to cut him off and avoid getting hurt again, hoping that he hurts the same way she does. She refuses to settle for second place, and although she has tried to convince herself differently, she knows he will never change. The song's poignant lyrics and Anna's emotive performance speak to those in relationships that feel one-sided, where the partner seems more interested in other things and people than them.
One fascinating fact about Anna Clendening's "Dead End" is that the song speaks to Anna's personal experience with anxiety and depression, which she has dealt with since her childhood. Clendening, who participated in the tenth season of America's Got Talent, has become an ambassador for mental health, having more than one hundred million views on her YouTube videos. She began her YouTube channel to help others know they're not alone, and "Dead End" chronicles life in a tumultuous relationship that triggered her mental health issues.
Another notable fact about "Dead End" is its spectacular performance on social media. Anna released a live performance of the song, which quickly amassed millions of views and shares in less than a month, with fans praising the song's relatability and Anna's emotional delivery. It cemented Anna's status as a promising new artist, with many people eagerly anticipating her future releases.
Line by Line Meaning
Eyes are on your phone
You are distracted, not fully present with me.
At the edge of my bed with your hand on my leg
You are physically close to me, but emotionally distant.
What you smiling for?
I'm suspicious of your behavior, wondering if there's something you're not telling me.
Was it something I said? Is she back already?
I'm wondering if you're responding to something I said, or if there's someone else in the picture.
Know that I shouldn't get used to you
I'm aware that you're not trustworthy, but I find myself getting attached to you regardless.
I keep my composure
I try to maintain my calm and not show my emotions.
Used to being used by you
I've been in this situation before and I'm starting to feel like a pattern is emerging.
I don't know what's worse
I'm grappling with multiple emotions and I'm not sure which one is more painful.
That you walked in my room
I feel like you've invaded my space without my consent.
Smelling like her perfume
I can detect another woman's scent on you.
Or that I called you first
I feel embarrassed that I reached out to you in the first place.
Thought that I was immune
I believed that I could resist your charms, but it seems that I was wrong.
Losing my composure
I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by my emotions and I'm having trouble hiding them.
You love me being lost in you
You enjoy having power over me and keeping me emotionally off-balance.
I gotta cut you off
I need to end this dysfunctional relationship.
Hope it hurts you like it hurt me
I want you to feel the pain that I've been through because of your actions.
You're gonna have to stop getting so used to me
I'm not going to tolerate your behavior anymore and I'm going to set boundaries.
Always crawling back to, let you get the best of me
I've been in this toxic cycle before and I'm determined not to repeat it.
Missed calls and text messages
You're not being consistent in your communication with me.
I deserve more than this
I'm realizing that I'm worth more than someone who treats me poorly.
Not just when I am with you
I deserve respect and love even when I'm not physically present with you.
When she is just pissed off at you
I don't want to be someone you run to just when you're having problems with someone else.
And you tell her you're through
I don't want to be part of a love triangle where you are constantly jumping between different partners.
I'm so sick of these dead end feelings
I'm fed up with the emotional rollercoaster ride that our relationship has become.
Writer(s): FELICIA FERRARO, VICTORIA ZARO, BRIAN PHILLIPS, ALYSSA L. CANTU, ANNA CLENDENING
Contributed by Alexis P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sydneyray3636
She's sooooo underrated. She deserves so much more recognition. ❤
@berthavalencia8707
"I deserve more than this
Not just when I am missed
or when she’s is just pissed off
at you and you tell her you’re through
You’ll crawl right on back in a day or two"
LOVE THIS VERSE!! LOVE YOU ANNA <3
@nynke5412
'You lie in my sheets, then lie to my face' - damn this line blew me away
@lisadtrx7795
This is amazing. Thank you for all your hard work. I'm in love with each of your magical creations 💖
@auser9791
Honestly, when I first watched it I didn't really like it. But I came back, and I fell in love with the song. It took me a couple times to be able to draw my personal message from it, and now I listed to it regularly. The video is really well made, the dance moves are on beat and the mimic is well done. Can't wait for the next song
@ayushipandey3857
Hey Anna, I heard your song in the morning! (Still listening to it rn) It's absolutely fucking amazing. I love your singing, and I absolutely adore the person that you are. You're one of the strongest women I know and love. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being there for us through your Instagram stories. Thank you for your music. People like you make this earth a better place. I hope 2019 is good to you, girl. ❤️
@RajoSong
JOSH KILLACKY damn he never disappoints, what a choreo, it feels so well to Anna, great job ! So happy to watch two artists I love all in one video
@Stuscott15
A minor masterpiece from Anna - she is a brilliant singer and songwriter
@lisadtrx7795
A new song of Anna directed by Zelda...nothing to add I know it's gonna fabulous
@reginahockert7659
This is absolutely beautiful. I have chills. I had no idea you could dance like this. The movement fit so perfectly with the music, amazing choreography. You can feel the chemistry of the dancers. Incredible!