Concrete

The overall theme of the song revolves around the push and pull of a complicated relationship. The singer expresses a mix of emotions, from feeling needed to feeling like a burden. It’s a candid look at how love can be both uplifting and heavy. You can sense the frustration of wanting to make things work while grappling with the reality of their situation.

Verse 1

I'm sorry, are you crying?
I can't believe it
God, that's pathetic (let 'em know)
Man, you gotta pick yourself up (tell 'em)

In this opening verse, there's a confrontation happening. The singer sees someone they care about in distress and feels a mix of sympathy and tough love. It’s a bit harsh when they call it "pathetic," but it shows the frustration that sometimes comes with caring for someone. They want this person to rise above their tears and recognize their worth, which sets the tone for the emotional struggle throughout the song.

Chorus

It's not fair that I've begun to see
I'm losing what I want to be
A loser isn't me, to run away is not what I thought you would do

The chorus expresses a deep sense of disappointment. The singer feels they’re losing a part of themselves due to the relationship's challenges. They don’t see themselves as a loser, and they’re surprised that their partner might want to run away from the problems. This is a turning point that reveals how much they value their identity and the relationship, highlighting a conflict between love and self-preservation.

Verse 2

You miss the way I make you cry 'til you run dry
And now you say you miss the problem that was me

In this verse, the singer reflects on the emotional dynamics of their relationship. They acknowledge that their partner misses the intense feelings they shared, even if those feelings included pain. It’s a bittersweet realization that sometimes, love can be intertwined with drama. This line hints that their partner might be romanticizing the past, making the present feel even heavier.

Chorus

But, but I won't go unless I'm the only one, you know
And I'm the show
Can't you see? Oh baby, please

The repetition of the chorus here emphasizes the singer’s determination to stay in the relationship. They want to be the main focus, suggesting a need for validation. The plea at the end shows vulnerability, revealing how much they crave connection and intimacy despite the turmoil. It’s a mix of desperation and hope, which makes the emotional weight of the song even more palpable.

Bridge

I kinda wanna sleep with you alone
I kinda wanna break up on the phone
I never wanna hear you say goodbye

The bridge captures the conflicting desires the singer feels. They want closeness and intimacy but also hint at wanting to end things in a less personal way. This shows how overwhelmed they are by the situation, breaking up feels easier than facing the emotional fallout. The longing for connection yet fearing the goodbye creates a sense of tension that deepens the narrative.

Outro

I don't wanna hate you, but I'll try
I'll try, I'll-, I'll try harder than your heart beats
Harder than your head, baby, harder than the concrete

In the outro, the singer expresses a resolve to make things work, even if it’s tough. They don’t want hatred to come between them, but they recognize the effort needed. The mention of "harder than concrete" suggests a desire for something solid and unbreakable, contrasting their fragile feelings. It wraps up the song with a sense of determination, but also an acknowledgment of the difficult road ahead.

Closing Thoughts

"Concrete" is a raw exploration of love's complexities. Malcolm Todd captures the feeling of wanting to hold on while also wrestling with the idea of letting go. It's relatable and honest, showing that love can be both a source of joy and pain. The song leaves you thinking about the balance between connection and self-identity in relationships, making it a powerful listen.