Steve Lacy's song "Haterlovin" is an introspective exploration of conflicting emotions. The repeated lines "I hate you just as much as I love you" reflect the internal turmoil and ambivalence the singer is experiencing towards a romantic partner. The lyrics are a direct expression of the push-pull dynamic of love-hate relationships - the tension between attraction and repulsion, desire and rejection.

The second verse reveals that the source of the singer's frustration is the partner's emotional unavailability - "′Cause you're opening up, and I can′t even touch you". The singer is torn between wanting to get closer to the partner and feeling shut out from their emotional world. The frustration leads to self-doubt and a feeling of hopelessness - "′Times I feel like I′m gon' die alone by myself". The singer even fantasizes about being able to date himself, reflecting a desire for self-sufficiency and independence.

Despite the complexity of the emotions being expressed, the chorus remains simple and direct, with the repeated line "I hate you just as much as I love you" driving home the core message of the song. Ultimately, the final line "I hate you!" is delivered with a mix of resignation and defiance, acknowledging the realities of the relationship while also refusing to be consumed by negative emotions.