"Laid" is a song by the British alternative rock band James, released in 1993. The song explores themes of passionate love, obsession, and a toxic relationship. The lyrics portray a tumultuous relationship where the narrator's partner is only interested in being intimate when they are in control ("she only comes when she's on top"). The opening lines suggest that the relationship is intense and noisy, causing complaints from the neighbors. The reference to the narrator's therapist advises against seeing their partner, describing them as a disease with no cure and their obsession becoming boring. The chorus repeats the phrase "Ah, you think you're so pretty," which can be interpreted as the narrator criticizing their partner's narcissism or arrogance. The song continues with disturbing imagery, such as the partner causing harm to themselves (slamming fingers in the door) and engaging in violent altercations with kitchen knives and skewers. They also dress the narrator in women's clothes and play with gender roles, challenging traditional notions. The lyrics reveal a pattern of destructive behavior in the relationship. The partner moves next door after the narrator moves out, indicating a continuous and intrusive presence. They cut a hole in the wall to gain access and even sleep beside the narrator without their knowledge, adding to the narrator's sense of being driven crazy. The final line, "When are you coming home?," reflects the narrator's desperate plea for the constant turmoil and chaos to end, showing a complex mix of longing and frustration. Overall, "Laid" tells a story of an intense and toxic relationship filled with obsession, manipulation, and a lack of boundaries. It explores themes of desire, power dynamics, and the damaging effects of a dysfunctional partnership.
