"Things That Hurt" by Jacob Bryant is a song that explores the self-destructive tendencies that people have after heartbreak. The lyrics ask a series of questions, such as why we turn up sad songs, keep old memories, and hold onto love letters long after the relationship has ended. These actions are all forms of temporary relief from the pain that comes with a broken heart. Bryant uses the metaphor of a heartbroke junkie to illustrate how people become addicted to the pain of heartbreak and cannot get enough of it. He suggests that the things that hurt, like listening to sad songs or dwelling on the past, are temporarily satisfying because they take away the emotional pain of heartbreak but ultimately keep the person stuck in a cycle of self-destruction. The song also raises questions about why people continue to hold onto the hurt long after the relationship has ended. It suggests that people may embrace the pain as a way of reaffirming that they can still feel something and that the hurt is still real. Overall, "Things That Hurt" by Jacob Bryant is an emotional exploration of how people cope with heartbreak in ways that can lead to self-destructive behavior. The song encourages listeners to recognize these tendencies and to seek healthier ways of dealing with emotional pain.
