"You Made Your Bed" by Joan Armatrading is a song about a toxic relationship where one person constantly seeks validation and is never satisfied. The song highlights the dynamic of power struggles and the consequences of making poor choices in relationships. The lyrics suggest that one person in the relationship has a tendency to argue and always wants to be right, even going to extremes to prove their point. Despite their efforts, they are still not happy, and the other person is pointing out the state they are in because of their behavior. The chorus emphasizes this dissatisfaction, with the other person questioning why their partner is always driven crazy and blames them for it. The songwriter wants to convey that the blame lies with the partner's own actions and choices. They describe it as a "stupid mistake" made by the person who constantly seeks validation and never seems to be content. The song then continues to discuss the repercussions of this toxic relationship. The songwriter doesn't regret the time they shared together, but they do resent the role of the martyr their partner plays. The writer feels like they suffer more than their fair share of hurt in the relationship, describing it as a "mixed up game." The lyrics also touch upon the fact that the partner's strange and negative behaviors cancel out any positive experiences or pleasures they might bring to the relationship. It is suggested that the partner's actions make it difficult for the songwriter to feel at ease and find happiness in the relationship. In the end, the songwriter conveys that they have made the decision to no longer be there for their partner. The repeated line "You made your bed, you can lie on it" symbolizes the idea that their partner's actions have consequences, and they have to face the results of their choices alone. Overall, "You Made Your Bed" explores themes of dissatisfaction, power struggles, blame, and the consequences of toxic behavior in relationships.
