The lyrics of Grimes's song "Pretty Dark (Demo)" express a complex mix of emotions surrounding love, vulnerability, and possessiveness. The song begins with a wish, where the narrator longs to be their lover's first love just as they are the narrator's. They hope their lover doesn't remember the intense feelings associated with love but understands it on the same deep level. The lyrics further express a desire for their lover to experience the pain and intensity of love in the same way the narrator does. They want their lover to cry when they see the narrator's tears, mirroring the narrator's own emotional response. This longing for shared emotional connection and empathy is strong throughout the song. The chorus of the song represents the narrator's intense attachment and devotion to their lover. They feel owned by their lover, as though their lover has control over their emotions and life. The offer is made to become their lover's girl if their lover shows them the same level of devotion and protects them from any harm. The narrator's possessiveness is evident as they declare they would kill anyone who tries to hurt their lover. In the bridge, the narrator acknowledges their lover's compliments and how it makes them feel pretty. The repetition of "Whoa-oh" emphasizes the importance and impact of these compliments. However, the lyrics also suggest that the narrator's past actions might have caused them to become "dirty" emotionally, implying some wrongdoing or emotional baggage in their relationship. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the narrator's feeling of being owned by their lover. They still express the desire to be their lover's girl and protect them from any harm. Overall, "Pretty Dark (Demo)" delves into the complexities of love and possessiveness, showcasing the narrator's deep emotional attachment to their lover while acknowledging the potential negative consequences that can arise from such intense emotions.
