The Obsessives is an American emo band from Washington, D.C.. Formed in 201… Read Full Bio ↴The Obsessives is an American emo band from Washington, D.C.. Formed in 2013, the band consists of best friends Nick Bairatchnyi and Jackson Mansfield. Starting as an indie band; the outfit was often compared to similar sounding emo bands, though Bairatchnyi cites a lot of his inspiration from the band Weatherbox. They released their first EP, Die Trying on May 2, 2013. In 2014, they released two EPs, Bad Friends and Manners, the latter would later be released on Near Mint Records, who also released their debut LP, Heck No, Nancy on September 18, 2015. In support of this album, the band went on tours with The Superweaks, Three Man Cannon, Sinai Vessel, and Household. On May 6, 2016 the band released a two-song 7" entitled My Pale Red Dot. In late 2016 the band signed to Lame-O Records and self-released a new EP called A Great Meance Weighs Over The City. On March 17, 2017 they released their second full-length album, The Obsessives. In support of this album, the band went on tours with Sorority Noise, Forth Wanderers, and Sinai Vessel. In 2018, the band toured with Animal Flag over several dates on the East Coast.

Do The Dishes
The Obsessives Lyrics

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I should feel angry
But I can't feel anything consistently
Now my jaw is growing weak
Living life through gritted teeth
I know I have no reason to whine
It just it's better than calling you all night
Maybe you pick up with a sigh
I think about that all the time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Obsessives's song "Do the Dishes" portray a feeling of discontent that is difficult to express properly. The opening line of "I should feel angry, but I can't feel anything consistently" highlights a sense of numbness or resignation towards the situation. The subsequent lines talk about the physical response to this constant state of tension - "Now my jaw is growing weak, living life through gritted teeth" - emphasizing how the constant strain is starting to wear down the singer.

The singer then reflects on their need to express this frustration and how it's currently manifesting itself in whining. They recognize that this isn't a reasonable response, but it feels better than constantly reaching out to the person who is causing them stress. The mention of "Maybe you pick up with a sigh / I think about that all the time" highlights the hopelessness of the situation, as even the slightest positive response is eagerly anticipated.

In summary, The Obsessives's song "Do the Dishes" is about the struggle to express a deep dissatisfaction with a particular person or situation, which is causing the singer significant tension and discomfort. The lyrics focus on the physical and emotional toll that this is taking, as well as the difficulty of finding an appropriate outlet.

Line by Line Meaning

I should feel angry
Although I have a reason to be upset, right now my emotions are all over the place and I can't seem to commit to a single feeling.

But I can't feel anything consistently
I'm having trouble embracing one specific emotion and sticking with it - my thoughts are scattered and confusing.

Now my jaw is growing weak
My constant clenched jaw is starting to wear me down, physically and mentally.

Living life through gritted teeth
I'm attempting to navigate life with a forced smile and a lot of repressed frustration and hostility.

I know I have no reason to whine
I'm aware that my problems are insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but that doesn't make them any less challenging for me personally.

It just it's better than calling you all night
Complaining to myself is a preferable alternative to constantly reaching out to you, even when you don't respond or show interest.

Maybe you pick up with a sigh
I constantly wonder how you'll react if I reach out to you, and whether your response will be dismissive or disappointed.

I think about that all the time
It's a thought that preoccupies me constantly, and I can't seem to shake it no matter how hard I try.

Contributed by Jayce T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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