He Said She Said by CHVRCHES Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Dialogue on Gender Expectations
Lyrics
“I know you heard me the first time” and
“Be sad, but don’t be depressed”
Just think it over, over and
He said, “It’s all in your head”
“But keep an ear to the grapevine” and
“Get drunk, but don’t be a mess”
Keep thinkin’ over, over
I try
But it’s hard to hit rewind
When I feel like
I feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Over and over, I
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
Over and over, I try
He said, “You need to be fed”
“But keep an eye on your waistline” and
“Look good, but don’t be obsessed”
Keep thinkin’ over, over
I try
But it’s hard to know what’s right
When I feel like I’m borrowin’ all of my time
And it’s hard to hit rewind
When I feel like
I feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Over and over, I
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
Over and over, I
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Over and over, I
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
(Feel like I’m losin’ my mind)
Feel like I’m losin’ my mind
Over and over
I try
CHVRCHES, the synth-pop powerhouse known for their evocative lyrics and haunting melodies, have delivered another cultural critique wrapped in an addictive chorus with ‘He Said She Said.’ At first listen, the track seems to dwell in the realm of personal turmoil, but a deeper lyrical dissection reveals a potent commentary on the often contradictory demands placed upon women.
Frontwoman Lauren Mayberry’s vocal delivery is pierced with frustration and a kind of sonic exhaustion that reflects the mental toll of navigating these pressures. Through a danceable yet melancholic soundscape, CHVRCHES captures the essence of a never-ending cycle of expectations that many can relate to.
Echoes of Discontent in Repetitive Cycles
The catchiness of ‘He Said She Said’ belies its serious commentary on the cyclical nature of societal expectations. With each repeated phrase, CHVRCHES hammers home the unrelenting nature of these demands. Much like the looping synth line, the repetition serves as a metaphor for the inescapable loop of contradictory advice and standards that plague women, particularly in the pursuit of love and acceptance.
It’s this clever intersection of form and content where CHVRCHES shines, using the structure of the music to reinforce the message within the lyrics. Each chorus feels like a glimpse into the spiraling thoughts of someone trapped in an unhealthy dynamic, both at the personal and societal level.
A Cry Against the Paradoxical Paradigms
The song’s verses enumerate the contradictions that are all too familiar: ‘Be sad, but don’t be depressed,’ ‘Get drunk, but don’t be a mess,’ and ‘Look good, but don’t be obsessed.’ This paradoxical advice showcases the impossible balance women are often expected to maintain, suggesting that the value of women is tied to how well they can walk the tightrope of these expectations without falling off.
Mayberry’s snarl embodies a defiance against these norms, challenging listeners to consider the stress and anxiety caused by such paradoxes. The lyrics confront the listener with the absurdity of these expectations, inviting empathy and understanding of the immense pressure to conform to them.
The Personal is Political – CHVRCHES’ Hidden Message
While ‘He Said She Said’ might resonate as a personal struggle, its true power lies in its hidden message: societal norms as a form of gaslighting. CHVRCHES cleverly crafts a dialogue that encapsulates the ways in which women’s experiences and feelings are trivialised – ‘It’s all in your head’ – while simultaneously being subjected to scrutiny and control.
This song elucidates a broader message about the systemic undermining of women’s autonomy and reality, providing a soundtrack for the internal struggles that are, in fact, symptomatic of external, uneven gender dynamics. The song’s title itself, ‘He Said She Said,’ alludes to the dismissing of women’s voices and the binary narrative that often diminishes their concerns.
The Visceral Impact of Memorable Lines
Among the lyrical labyrinth of ‘He Said She Said,’ certain lines cut deeper, echoing in the recesses of the listener’s mind. ‘I feel like I’m losin’ my mind’ serves as the song’s central refrain, a sentiment of mental dissolution that is both relatable and haunting.
Mayberry encapsulates the essence of frustration and the sheer exhaustion of existing within gendered expectations, creating an anthem for those worn down by the constant evaluation and commentary on their choices. These words become a rallying cry for anyone who has felt overwhelmed and invalidated by the perpetual critique surrounding them.
Sonic Synthesis – Music as the Conduit for Social Commentary
CHVRCHES has long utilized their sonic palette as a vehicle for larger conversations, and ‘He Said She Said’ is no exception. The track weaves in the classic elements of CHVRCHES’ sound — pulsing beats, shimmering synths, and soaring melodies — to create a sense of urgency and poignancy.
The band’s ability to marry pop sensibilities with thoughtful, pointed lyrics allows for a more nuanced discourse—encouraging their audience to dance through the discomfort of reflection. ‘He Said She Said’ not only serves as an anthem for the oppressed but also a clarion call to dismantle the pervasive, damaging constructs of gender roles.
