Addicted to the ache of longing | Need You Around | Smoking Popes

"Need You Around" by Smoking Popes is a song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the ache of longing for someone they can't quite have. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that's on the rocks, but the singer just can't seem to let go.
The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, with the vocalist confessing his desperation: "I need you around / Like a bad habit that I've found." It's clear that he's addicted to this person, and no matter how toxic their relationship may be, he just can't seem to kick the habit. The use of the phrase "bad habit" is particularly telling – it implies that he knows his obsession with her is unhealthy, but he just can't help himself.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more specific about the nature of their relationship. The singer sings about feeling like a ghost hovering around the edges of this person's life, always trying to get their attention. He's desperate for validation, and will do whatever it takes to get it: "I'll be your friend / I'll be your anything." It's a pathetic attempt to cling on to something that's clearly slipping away from him.
But despite his best efforts, the singer knows he's not going to win her back. He's stuck in this rut, unable to move on or let go. The song becomes a sort of confessional, with the vocalist pouring out his emotions and admitting his flaws. It's a raw and honest portrayal of what it's like to be trapped in a toxic relationship.
In the end, "Need You Around" is a song about the futility of trying to hold on to something that's already gone. The singer may need this person around him, but he knows deep down that it's not good for him – and yet he just can't seem to help himself. It's a relatable theme, and one that listeners will surely identify with.
