"Diet Gum" by John Grant is a song that delves into the theme of manipulation and control in a relationship. The lyrics portray the narrator as a manipulator who takes pleasure in manipulating their partner. They see themselves as having complete power over their partner's emotions and behaviors. The opening lines of the song establish the narrator's manipulation as a central theme: "I manipulate, that is what I do / I manipulate, that's what I'm doing to you." They take pride in curating and designing their partner's reactions, as symbolized by the smirk on their face. The second verse expresses the narrator's disdain towards their partner, who seemingly tries to change them. The partner's words and actions are seen as futile attempts to make the narrator conform to their desires. The narrator, however, rejects this notion and expresses their preference for being true to themselves, even if it means going to extreme lengths. The song also includes references and insults meant to belittle the partner, with lines like "you've clearly hit rock bottom" and mocking their lack of knowledge about certain things. Additionally, the song touches upon the narrator's past experiences with someone from Ames, Iowa, named Patrick, who they consider as unappealing in a exaggerated way. Throughout the song, the lyrics become more confrontational and aggressive. They insult the partner's intelligence, appearance, and even their choice of clothing, as seen when they mention the leisure suit. The narrator portrays themselves as being in control, rendering the partner powerless and desperate for attention. Despite the harshness of the lyrics, there is also a hint of vulnerability towards the end. The narrator apologizes for their previous outburst and claims that their actions were not personal. This shift may suggest that the manipulative behavior stems from a place of insecurity or past hurt. In summary, "Diet Gum" by John Grant explores the dynamics of manipulation and control in a relationship. The lyrics depict a narrator who takes pleasure in manipulating their partner's emotions and actions, while also highlighting their own insecurities and vulnerabilities.
