Antidote
The Hives Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bitter taste
In your mouth
It's too late to get it out
Everytime
I'm around you
Try to leave but
I'll be standing in your way
You want antidote I got the poison
Second try
To say goodbye
Kick the habit but




I'll be standing in your way
You want antidote I got the poison

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Hives's song Antidote explores a tumultuous relationship where one person has grown tired of the other's presence but still finds themselves unable to leave. The bitterness left in the mouth acts as a metaphor for the lingering sour feelings in the relationship that can't be easily forgotten. Despite their best efforts to distance themselves from the other person, they keep getting pulled back in. The singer admits to having the "poison", or the ability to keep the other person hooked, which they refer to as the "antidote".


The second verse further illustrates the struggles of trying to move on from the toxic relationship. Even though the singer attempts to say goodbye and "kick the habit", they acknowledge that they will still be a barrier in the other person's efforts to move on. The repeated line "you want antidote I got the poison" emphasizes the power dynamic in the relationship, with one person holding the power to either heal or hurt the other. This creates a sense of tension and instability throughout the song, as the two people involved struggle to find balance in their dynamic.


Overall, the lyrics to Antidote showcases the complexities of a relationship where one person holds a strong influence over the other, despite the toxicity of the connection. It speaks to the struggles of trying to break free from the hold of someone who has a strong emotional pull, and the power struggles that come with trying to leave.


Line by Line Meaning

Bitter taste
A feeling of bitterness, unpleasantness or resentment towards something or someone.


In your mouth
A physical sensation of bitter taste felt in one's mouth.


It's too late to get it out
The bitterness has already taken hold and cannot be reversed or undone.


Everytime
On every occasion or instance that something happens or someone is encountered.


I'm around you
When the artist is in close proximity to the listener or the subject of the lyrics.


Try to leave but
The effort to distance oneself from the source of bitterness or negativity.


I'll be standing in your way
The singer will not let the listener escape from the negativity in their life.


You want antidote I got the poison
The artist is aware that the listener is seeking a solution to their problems, but is offering them something that will only make it worse.


Second try
A second attempt after a previous failure.


To say goodbye
To bid farewell, to leave or end a relationship or situation that is causing negativity or harm.


Kick the habit but
To try and overcome the negative behavior or habit that is causing harm, but with difficulty or resistance.


I'll be standing in your way
The artist will not let the listener escape from the negativity in their life, even when they try to change their ways.


You want antidote I got the poison
The singer is aware that the listener is seeking a solution to their problems, but is offering them something that will only make it worse.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Randy Fitzsimmons

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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