"Second" is a song by Erika Costell, an American singer-songwriter, that reflects on a toxic relationship where she constantly feels pushed aside and unimportant to her partner. The lyrics depict the emotional pain and frustration she experiences as she addresses the way her partner has let her down, cut her out, and treated her cruelly. The song emphasizes the constant feeling of being second-best and highlights the singer's vulnerability. She describes the sensitivity she developed due to the hurtful words and actions of her partner, contrasting it with their ability to easily dismiss her feelings and do things that would hurt her. Erika Costell expresses her efforts to hide her pain and maintain composure in the face of her partner's neglect. She mentions biting her tongue, holding her breath, and doing her best not to show her breaking point. However, the emotional strain becomes overwhelming, and she feels close to breaking. The chorus of the song shows the singer's vulnerability and the impact her partner has on her. She states that at any given second, she could cry or feel like she could die due to the emotional turmoil caused by the relationship. She expresses the constant feeling of being put second and the fear of losing her sanity. Despite the hardships and mistreatment, the singer still finds it hard to believe that she is still the one accepting this situation. She questions why she continues to be the "two" in the relationship, implying that her partner is placing someone or something else above her. Overall, "Second" explores the pain, emotional turmoil, and feeling of insignificance that Erika Costell experiences in a toxic relationship. The song serves as a platform for her to express her frustration and bring awareness to the negative impact such relationships can have on one's mental and emotional well-being.
