"I'd Rather Be With Them" by Marika Hackman is a song that expresses feelings of frustration, anger, and longing for escape from a toxic relationship. The lyrics depict a strained and dysfunctional connection between two people. The song starts with the protagonist feeling unable to communicate with their partner due to the deterioration of their relationship. The use of phrases like "stale tongues" and "smoky spit" suggests that any words exchanged are empty and meaningless. The protagonist's head hurts and they express a strong hatred towards their partner. The chorus of the song revolves around the desire to vomit, both physically and metaphorically. It represents the intense disgust and repulsion the protagonist feels towards their partner. They want to purge themselves of the negative emotions associated with the relationship. The mention of waking up their mother and telling her they're ill highlights their desperation for someone to notice their suffering. The following verse describes the physical and emotional consequences of the toxic relationship. Salty eyes and frothy lips depict crying and the anxiety-inflicted state the protagonist finds themselves in. The imagery of bared teeth and champing at the bit suggests a readiness for conflict and aggression. The protagonist leans on the window, possibly contemplating escape or freedom. The bridge of the song displays the protagonist's desire to distance themselves from their partner. They observe people on the street and express a preference for their company, emphasizing their dislike for the room they are currently in, as it reminds them of their partner. As the song progresses, the protagonist becomes more detached and numb. They claim to be heartless and unable to cry, as if their emotions have been drained from them. They describe their body as hollow, indicating a loss of identity and a disconnect from their own self. The final lines of the song express the ultimate disdain for the partner. The protagonist wishes for their parents to be informed of their death, blaming their partner for the mental turmoil they have caused. The contradictory statement about hating and loving their partner's hair and clothes reveals the complex mix of emotions and confusion present in the relationship. In summary, "I'd Rather Be With Them" portrays a toxic relationship where communication has broken down, leaving the protagonist feeling trapped and suffocated. They long for escape, despise their partner, and are yearning for a sense of freedom and liberation.
