Covet

Basement's song 'Covet' presents a complex emotional landscape, where the lyrics convey a sense of ambivalence and contradiction in the context of a relationship. The opening lines, 'When I'm with you / I don't wanna be with you,' immediately set the tone for this internal conflict. The speaker is caught in a push-and-pull dynamic, where the presence of the other person simultaneously triggers the desire for closeness and the urge for distance. This paradoxical sentiment is a common human experience, often felt when one is deeply attracted to someone but also recognizes the potential for emotional turmoil or incompatibility.

The lyrics continue to describe the object of affection with phrases like 'White hair / And a hopeful smile' and 'Your inside / Is on your outside,' suggesting a sense of purity and transparency in the person they covet. However, the speaker's desires are complicated, as expressed in the line 'I want a fatal disease.' This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the consuming nature of their feelings, which are so intense that they are likened to a disease—something that can overtake one's life completely, for better or worse. The song captures the essence of wanting something so badly that it borders on self-destructive.

The repetition of the phrase 'With you / I don't wanna be with you' throughout the song emphasizes the ongoing struggle between longing and repulsion. Basement, known for their emotive and introspective lyrics within the alternative rock genre, often explores themes of inner conflict and the complexities of human emotions. 'Covet' is a testament to their ability to articulate the nuanced feelings that accompany relationships and the sometimes painful yearning that can accompany love and desire.