Producer/songwriter Christian Berishaj was born in the greater Detroit area and quickly developed a fascination with music and performance. He started recording his own music at age 12 and by the time he was 18 he'd gone through various different bands and projects, including recording an album as Love Arcade on which he wrote and performed every sound. Love Arcade was eventually signed to Atlantic records, with a self-titled album on which Berishaj was the sole performer coming out in 2006. A touring band was assembled around the project but none of the members ever played on any recordings and the group broke up after three years. Following Love Arcade, Berishaj relocated to Los Angeles and worked briefly under the moniker Christian TV, licensing songs in various films and television and signing a deal with Universal Motown Records. The label folded and Berishaj again reconfigured, taking on the name JMSN and producing more R&B inspired music, taking a decided step away from the pop leanings of previous projects. He self-released his debut Priscilla in early 2012, earning high praise from press and his artistic contemporaries as well. He followed with the next year with the Pllaje EP and a lengthy tour. JMSN spent much of 2014 prepping his next full-length, The Blue Album. The Blue Album's release date was delayed but eventually saw release in late 2014. ~ Fred Thomas
Love Myself
JMSN Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not a yes or a maybe
Ain't no reason to hang around
Find somebody else
Can't you see that I'm crazy?
And I don't want you to hate me
But you I can't stick around
So how can I expect somebody else to do
The things that I… that I can't do myself?
The lyrics of JMSN's "Love Myself" convey a sense of self-awareness and introspection. The singer opens by telling their partner that there is "nothing left" for them in the relationship anymore. There is no uncertainty or ambiguity - they are not offering any false hope or trying to string their partner along. They acknowledge that they are not in a place where they can commit to someone else, and it would be best for their partner to move on.
The second verse is where the true emotional heart of the song is exposed. The singer reveals that they are aware of their own mental state - they are "crazy" and fear that their partner will come to hate them. The line "See I don't love myself" is incredibly powerful - it's a confession of low self-esteem and a lack of self-love. This is why they know that they cannot expect someone else to do for them what they cannot do for themselves. It's a vulnerable and honest admission of their own shortcomings and an acknowledgement that they need to work on themselves before they can be a good partner to someone else.
What makes "Love Myself" such a moving and impactful song is how universal these emotional experiences are. Whether it's insecurity about one's own mental health or struggles with self-love and self-esteem, many listeners will be able to relate to the emotions that JMSN is expressing. The stripped-down musical arrangement adds to the raw, emotional feeling of the song - the focus is entirely on the lyrics and JMSN's expressive, soulful vocals.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing left for you baby
I have nothing else to offer you, my love for you is gone.
Not a yes or a maybe
I am not unsure about my feelings for you, I am certain that they are no more.
Ain't no reason to hang around
There is no justification for you to stay with me any longer.
Find somebody else
It would be better for you to move on and find someone who will give you the love and affection you deserve.
Can't you see that I'm crazy?
I am aware of my unstable mental state and understand that it negatively affects our relationship.
And I don't want you to hate me
I am afraid of the consequences of my actions and do not want to be despised by you.
But you I can't stick around
I cannot remain with you if I don't even love myself.
See I don't love myself
I have yet to accept and care for myself before I can give love to someone else.
So how can I expect somebody else to do
It is irrational for me to require another individual to provide love when I do not have it for myself.
The things that I… that I can't do myself?
How can I depend on another to do things for me that I cannot even do for myself?
Contributed by Jonathan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Datgodtank
Hi JMSN. This the best song you made! to bad it's so short.
Much respect from here!
@slimmee22
wish it was longer but this song speaks to me
@MamaDee0625
I really wish this song was longer...can relate so much
@Tigrey44
I swear we need more JMSN right now. Thats some good RNB!!!
@brendacole5463
The song itself is amazing....wish it was extended. But nice visual, your growth from what you used to represent to who you are now is very magnificent. People often label themselves as "fake" when they manage to escape the shackles of a world they didn't belong in, in the first place, to a place where mysterious insights hover among us until we find them and conquer our characteristics and fears, but more significantly find and display the honesty that was overshadowed by wordly items & mishaps. Much respect JMSN. True artist.
@Natekryptonite
so beautiful ! Can't wait to see the full version :)
@artt.5292
Arguably my favorite track on the album, after "the one" and "walk away"...this shit is the anthem to my life bro. We need another East coast tour; NY misses JMSN!!
@MumenRider78
I love his music
@geekoutstar
It makes me feel every word its like part of my soul
@littlecheeseburger_51
So freaking good as always! JMSN !!