"If You Don't, Don't" by Jimmy Eat World is a song about a failed relationship and the confusion that comes with it. The lyrics express the speaker's longing for their partner's understanding and honesty. The song revolves around the theme of miscommunication and the frustration that arises from not knowing where the other person stands in the relationship. The song begins with the speaker asking their partner what is wrong and if they are being treated poorly. They wonder if their partner has taken advantage of them financially. The speaker recalls a moment when they were close to connecting with their partner but ended up pretending instead. The lyrics continue with the speaker expressing their thoughts while driving and missing their partner. They reminisce about specific locations and moments shared together. The speaker questions their partner's intentions, wondering why they would say certain things if they don't truly mean them. They plead for clarity and honesty. The song reflects on the mistakes made in the relationship, confessing that the speaker left their partner waiting and acknowledges that they should have never started the relationship in the first place. The speaker desires to speak their mind and express their feelings, but doubts their ability to make their partner understand. The chorus repeats the questions of why the partner would say things they don't mean and emphasizes the need for a straightened-out story. The speaker acknowledges their own faults and expresses regret for their behavior. They admit to taking everything their partner offered without fully reciprocating the love. The song concludes with the hope that someday both parties will become wiser and expresses apologies for being a mess. The speaker confesses to consuming all their money and not genuinely loving their partner in return. Overall, "If You Don't, Don't" conveys feelings of confusion, longing, and regret in the context of a failing relationship. It explores themes of miscommunication, doubt, and the consequences of not being honest with oneself and others.
