My darling
Juliana Hatfield Lyrics


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You're hurting me, my darling, my darling, my darling
It's killing me, my darling, my darling, my darling
Tell me, what can I do? Help me help you

You never give me anything, anything, anything
But you needed everything - much, much more than I could bring
I heard the things that you said
Things really are messing with my head

Sweet on the outside, but bitter on the inside




I'm giving up now, but I swear to God I really tried
I was happy as a child

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Juliana Hatfield's song "My Darling" tell the story of a relationship that has become toxic and one-sided. The singer is pleading with their partner to stop hurting them, but at the same time acknowledging the pain that comes from being with someone they love who doesn't reciprocate those feelings. The repetition of "my darling" throughout the song creates a haunting, almost ironic tone - the affectionate term of endearment becomes a reminder of how far apart the two people in the relationship have grown.


The second verse is especially telling, as the singer mentions how much their partner expects of them, without ever giving anything in return. This is contrasted with the singer's own attempts to make the relationship work, which have seemingly gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Despite this, the singer is still willing to help their partner - "help me help you" - but it's unclear if this is out of genuine concern or a desire to salvage what's left of the relationship.


Overall, "My Darling" is a melancholy and introspective song, exploring the pain that comes from loving someone who can't or won't love you in the same way.


Line by Line Meaning

You're hurting me, my darling, my darling, my darling
The words and actions that you're using are causing me pain and distress, my love


It's killing me, my darling, my darling, my darling
The emotional turmoil that you're creating inside me is causing me immense suffering


Tell me, what can I do? Help me help you
I'm willing to work on this relationship, but I need your cooperation in order to do so


You never give me anything, anything, anything
I feel like you're not making an effort to contribute to our relationship


But you needed everything - much, much more than I could bring
You had unrealistic expectations of our relationship and were asking too much of me


I heard the things that you said
I listened and paid attention to the words you spoke


Things really are messing with my head
Your words and actions are causing mental distress within me


Sweet on the outside, but bitter on the inside
You may appear kind and gentle, but your true intentions and emotions are negative and hostile


I'm giving up now, but I swear to God I really tried
After numerous attempts to save our relationship, I've come to the realization that it's no longer possible


I was happy as a child
There was a time in my life when I was happier and more carefree, but those days are long gone




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JULIANA HATFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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