Slave
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Lyrics

The lyrics of Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Slave" convey a toxic love dynamic where the singer feels trapped and controlled by their partner. The imagery of "eating your soul" and "like tears you fall" suggests that the singer is slowly losing themselves and their emotions in this relationship. The repetition of "my slave" implies that the partner is possessive and controlling, with the weight of that ownership leading to a sense of entrapment for the singer. The line "you keep me beating on" suggests that the singer feels dependent on this relationship, despite it being unhealthy.

The second verse of the song repeats the first verse's lyrics, with little variation. This repetition emphasizes the feeling of being stuck in this cycle of abuse and lack of agency. The bridge of "On my own / You keep me, you keep me / On the throne / Heads down all day" suggests that the singer struggles to break free from this dynamic, even when alone. The command of "heads down all day" implies that the partner expects complete submission from the singer, leading to a draining and suffocating relationship.

The final repetition of "Come feed on your love" feels almost desperate, as though the singer is begging for some sort of reprieve or escape from this toxic cycle. Overall, the lyrics of "Slave" present a bleak and tragic relationship dynamic where the singer feels trapped and powerless.