The song "If You're Going To Break Yourself" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra explores themes of loss, addiction, and the longing for connection. The lyrics describe the narrator's druggy friends going missing in San Francisco, symbolizing the disintegration of their relationships due to substance abuse. Despite the disconnect, the narrator still understands and empathizes with their friends, leading to a sense of loss and confusion. The mention of "secret loser language" suggests a shared understanding and bond that once existed between the narrator and their friends. However, this connection has been severed, as indicated by the blocking of the narrator's number by one of their friends. This action hints at the destructive impact that the narrator's survival or sobriety might have had on their relationship. The mention of blue candy staining their tongues and the numb kisses evokes a sense of pleasure mixed with anesthetic sensations. This imagery points towards a desire for escape and the temporary relief that drugs may provide. The landscape is described as a paradise, a swing, and an unknown entity, indicating a desire for an alternate reality or a romanticized version of life. Throughout the song, there is a repeated phrase, "If you're going to break yourself, you're gonna break me." This line signifies the intertwined nature of the narrator's emotions and their friends' actions. It highlights the deep emotional connection they once shared and the devastating impact it has on the narrator's own well-being when their friends are self-destructive. Overall, "If You're Going To Break Yourself" explores themes of addiction, loss, and the longing for connection. It delves into the complex emotions and experiences that arise from strained relationships and the toll they can take on individuals.
