Like
LE Lyrics

In LE's song "Like," the singer details their complex feelings toward a woman they know. The opening lines introduce the woman as a "figure," suggesting that she is something of an enigma, possibly someone who commands attention and admiration. The singer notes that she "does what she figures figures do," which could mean that she behaves in ways that are expected of her given her position, stature, or appearance. However, the singer also assigns the label "pathetic" to both the woman and themselves, suggesting that the image she presents is in some way false or hollow. The singer acknowledges that they "can't stand her," despite the fact that she does not seem to hate them in the same way.

The next verse introduces another layer to the woman's character. The singer reveals that she is a virgin and dreams "like only virgins do." This line could be interpreted in a number of ways - perhaps the singer means that the woman's dreams are naive or idealistic, or that she experiences them with a kind of intensity that only the inexperienced can feel. The singer then declares that this aspect of the woman's personality is "perfect, because it isn't true," suggesting that the world she inhabits is a fantasy or a construct rather than anything real or lasting. Once again, the singer considers their own feelings in relation to the woman's, noting that they "can't stand her" despite her lack of animosity towards them.

The third verse offers even more detail about the woman's appearance and experiences. The singer notes that she has a "body" and uses it to "pay what she is due," which implies that she may be involved in sex work or some other profession where her physicality is a commodity. She bears "scars" that tell the stories of "evil that men do," hinting at some kind of trauma or abuse that she has suffered. However, despite these hardships, she possesses a fierce pride and determination that the singer finds challenging. Unlike the previous verses, this one does not end with the refrain "She don't hate me like I do," suggesting that the singer may be starting to understand the woman's perspective a bit more.

The fourth and final verse brings the themes of the song full circle. The woman's "smile sings seven songs that resonate," perhaps meaning that her joy is infectious or that it contains multitudes. Her "soul is a mirror bright that shows what we've done and how to set it right," implying that she possesses a kind of moral clarity that the singer lacks. The final lines, "Don't you tell me that you ever know/We're still just human, boy/Her smiles for my laughter/Her veins for my release," suggest a sense of regret or resignation. Even though the woman may never fully understand or forgive the singer, they still rely on her for solace and companionship.