Olivia Rodrigo’s Haunting Fixation: Dissecting Obsessed

On March 22, 2024, Olivia Rodrigo unveiled a sinister new track that slithers into the darkest depths of obsession and jealousy. Obsessed, tucked away as a hidden vinyl-exclusive on her critically acclaimed album GUTS (Spilled), takes listeners on a disquieting journey through the twisted psyche of someone consumed by their partner’s past relationship.

A Lyrical Descent Into Madness

The lyrics meticulously construct an unsettling narrative of Rodrigo’s character fixating on her significant other’s ex with alarming intensity. She confesses to poring over this woman’s photographs, committing minuscule details to memory: “I know her star sign, I know her blood type / I’ve seen every movie she’s been in, and, oh, god, she’s beautiful.“

Rodrigo’s plaintive delivery imbues these seemingly innocuous lines with a sinister undertone, hinting at the deeper mania lurking beneath. As the track unfolds, her thinly veiled jealousy spirals into unnerving territory, with Rodrigo chillingly admitting, “I’m starin’ at her like I wanna get hurt.”

The Haunting Production

Sonically, Obsessed mirrors its lyrical disquiet. Produced by Dan Nigro, who also co-wrote the track alongside Rodrigo and St. Vincent, the instrumentals blend elements of pop-rock and grunge, casting an ominous pall over the proceedings. Grungy guitar riffs intertwine with Rodrigo’s acerbic vocals, conjuring a sense of simmering resentment that threatens to boil over.

A Quote to Haunt the Soul

In a recent interview, Rodrigo shed light on the song’s disturbing premise, remarking, “I wanted to explore that feeling of being weirdly fixated on someone your partner was once involved with—it’s such an insecurity-inducing, maddening experience.” Her candid admission resonates through the marrow of Obsessed, making it an unshakable artistic statement.

The Inescapable Depths of Envy

While Obsessed bottles the most destructive aspects of jealousy, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the human condition’s complexities. Olivia Rodrigo’s haunting ruminations urge listeners to confront the green-eyed monster lurking within us all, forcing us to grapple with the unsettling truth that even the purest love can be tainted by insecurity’s dark tendrils.

Music Video of Obsessed

The music video for Obsessed is a visual feast that complements the song’s thematic concerns. Olivia Rodrigo finds herself in a hotel ballroom, surrounded by pageant queens who represent her lover’s past relationships. Titles like “Miss Thought She Was the One” and “Miss Still His ‘Closest Friend‘” adorn their sashes, each a narrative thread in the tapestry of Rodrigo’s emotional turmoil. The black dress Rodrigo dons, in contrast to the white gowns of the other women, visually encapsulates her feelings of being an outsider in this emotional pageant.

Reception of Obsessed

Since its release, Obsessed has received warm praise from critics and fans alike. The song’s lyrics, Rodrigo’s vocal performance, and the music video have all been lauded for their raw, authentic portrayal of obsession and jealousy. The track’s pop-rock grunge vibe has also been well-received, further enhancing its appeal.

Promotion of Obsessed

In the lead-up to the song’s release, Rodrigo’s fans noticed a snippet of Obsessed playing on her hotline. The snippet featured Rodrigo harmonising with herself while singing the lyrics “Da, da-da-da, da-da-da” before escalating to a scream. This teaser successfully piqued the interest of fans, adding to the anticipation for the song’s release.

Chart Performance of Obsessed

Obsessed debuted at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 during the tracking week ending April 6, 2024. The song also charted in various other countries, proving its international appeal. Its success on the charts mirrors the positive reception Obsessed has received from listeners worldwide.

Obsessed in the Context of Rodrigo’s Career

Olivia Rodrigo GUTS (spilled) Album cover

Obsessed is a disquieting psychological exploration, a searing self-portrait, and a sombre reminder that even in love’s warmest embrace, the chilling spectre of obsession may linger. An essential addition to Rodrigo’s captivating discography, Obsessed solidifies her status as one of pop’s most daring and uncompromising auteurs.

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Olivia Rodrigo Obsessed Lyrics

Intro
La, da-da-da, da-da-la, la-da-da-da-da
La, da-da-da, da-da-da

Verse 1
If I told you how much I think about her
You’d think I was in love
And if you knew how much I looked at her pictures
You would think we’re best friends

Pre-Chorus
‘Cause I know her star sign, I know her blood type
I’ve seen every movie she’s been in, and, oh, god, she’s beautiful
And I know you loved her, and I know I’m butthurt
But I can’t help it, no, I can’t help it

Chorus
I’m so obsessed with your ex (Uh-huh)
I know she’s been asleep on my side of your bed, and I can feel it
I’m starin’ at her like I wanna get hurt
And I remember every detail you have evеr told me, so be careful, baby

Post-Chorus
I’m so obsеssed with your ex (Ah)
Yeah, I’m so obsessed with your ex (Ah)
La, da-da-da, da-da-da

Verse 2
She’s got those lips, she’s got those hips
The life of every fuckin’ party
She’s talented, she’s good with kids
She even speaks kindly about me, ha-ha

Pre-Chorus
And I know you love me, and I know it’s crazy
But, every time you call my name, I think you mistake me for her
You both have moved on, you don’t even talk
But I can’t help it, I got issues, I can’t help it, baby

Chorus
I’m so obsessed with your ex
I know she’s been asleep on my side in your bed, and I can feel it
I’m starin’ at her like I wanna get hurt
And I remember every detail you have ever told me, so be careful, baby

Post-Chorus
I’m so obsessed with your ex (Ah)
Yeah, I’m so obsessed with your ex (Ah)

Bridge
Is she friends with your friends? Is she good in bed?
Do you think about her? No, I’m fine, it doesn’t matter, tell me
Is she easy-going? Never controlling?
Well-traveled? Well-read? Oh, god, she makes me so upset

Outro
I’m so obsessed with your ex (Ah)
She’s been asleep on my side of your bed (Ah), woah
I’m so obsessed with your ex (God, she makes me so upset)
I’m so obsessed with your, with your ex