Expectations
J. Gallagher Lyrics

In J. Gallagher's song "Expectations," the lyrics express feelings of frustration and confusion in a relationship where one person is being asked for a lot but not receiving much in return. The opening lines set the tone by highlighting the imbalance in the dynamic, where one person expects everything to come to them without putting in effort. The lyrics convey a sense of being taken for granted and feeling unappreciated.

The chorus emphasizes the internal struggle faced by the singer, torn between the desire to meet the other person's expectations and the realization that it may not be possible or healthy to continue bending over backwards. There is a theme of uncertainty and inner turmoil reflected in the repetition of questioning whether the other person truly needs them or not. This internal conflict is further illustrated through the imagery of a cloudy mind, suggesting confusion and lack of clarity in the relationship.

The verses convey a sense of desperation and disillusionment as the singer describes feeling pressured to constantly prove themselves and change their behavior to avoid being doubted. The mention of mixing things with sprite and not feeling alright hints at self-destructive coping mechanisms and a sense of emptiness despite outward appearances of being fine. The reference to being eyed by others and accusations of being a hater indicate a lack of trust and communication issues within the relationship.

As the song progresses, there is a shift towards realization and acceptance of the problematic nature of the relationship. The singer expresses patience in trying to meet the other person's expectations, but also acknowledges their own frustrations and confusion in understanding the complications that arise. The repetition of the chorus at the end serves to reinforce the cyclical nature of the struggle and the difficulty of breaking free from the toxic patterns that have been established.

Overall, "Expectations" delves into the complexities of relationships where one party feels burdened by unrealistic demands and struggles to find a balance between meeting those expectations and preserving their own well-being. The lyrics capture the emotional weight of trying to navigate a situation where communication breakdowns and mismatched intentions lead to a spiral of misunderstandings and hurt feelings.