What You Need Lyrics – Tems

What You Need Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
The intro sets a quiet, reflective mood. It feels like a pause before sharing feelings, almost like she’s gathering her thoughts and emotions before diving into the struggles she’s been facing in the relationship.

[Verse 1]
In this part, she talks about feeling torn and confused in love. Sometimes she feels like love is pulling in two directions, and it’s overwhelming. She realizes that the way love is being given isn’t guiding her anywhere and is more draining than comforting. Her response is to step back because she can’t get lost in endless emotions that lead nowhere, and she needs clarity for herself.

[Pre-Chorus]
Here, she expresses how confused and drained she feels. Despite all the pain and struggles in the relationship, the other person still wants to stay, which leaves her exhausted and emotionally stuck in a constant cycle of tension.

[Chorus]
She feels lost and in darkness, realizing she cannot be what the other person truly needs. She repeats that she isn’t the right fit and needs distance to protect both of them. There’s a strong sense of urgency in her words, showing she wants to break free from emotional dependence. She acknowledges that staying in the relationship won’t help either of them and that separating is necessary to regain her own sense of peace and self. The repeated lines emphasize her determination to step away and accept that the love offered isn’t the right kind for her life. It’s a mix of self-awareness, honesty, and courage to end what isn’t working.

[Verse 2]
She clearly states she needs time alone to heal and reflect. She realizes the love she’s receiving doesn’t feel like safety or home. She lets go of any attachment because the other person doesn’t truly belong in her life, and she’s better off independently. At the same time, she understands that leaving is also better for the other person, suggesting that separation is the healthiest choice for both of them.

[Pre-Chorus]
Once again, she reflects on the confusion caused by the relationship. Even though the other person wants to stay, the ongoing pain makes her decide to step away. She is ready to leave behind the crises and emotional turmoil that have been weighing her down.

[Chorus]
At this point, she feels liberated, finally emerging from the darkness of confusion and emotional struggle. She firmly states that she is not what the other person needs, repeating it multiple times to emphasize her certainty and the finality of her decision. The repetition shows the intensity of her emotions and her need to make it clear to both herself and the other person. She wants complete space and distance, understanding that clinging would only cause more pain. The lines communicate her realization that no matter the effort, she cannot fulfill what the other person is seeking, and it’s unfair to stay in that situation. This part also reflects her journey from uncertainty to clarity, moving from feeling lost to confident in her choice to separate. Her insistence on being apart shows self-respect and the importance of prioritizing her own well-being. It’s about reclaiming her emotional freedom, cutting ties that don’t nurture her, and being honest about the limits of her love. The extended repetition reinforces the weight of this truth and the strength it takes to walk away.

[Outro]
The outro reinforces her message one last time. She emphasizes that she isn’t what the other person needs and that it’s time for both of them to move on, leaving no room for doubt or misinterpretation.