Oct 214 min read

High Vis Deserve It Lyrics Meaning and Review

Updated: Oct 29

A Powerful Opening Salvo: High Vis's "Deserve It"

"Deserve It" kicks off High Vis's "Guided Tour" with an undeniable bang. It's a track that masterfully blends the band's signature hardcore roots with a healthy dose of shoegaze atmosphere. The driving bassline and swirling guitars create a sonic tapestry that envelops the listener, while Graham Sayle's raw and emotive vocals cut through the noise with a sense of urgency.

Lyrical Depth and Emotional Resonance

The lyrics explore themes of self-worth and the struggle to connect with someone who seems emotionally unavailable. Lines like "You can't take what isn't there to give" and "I'm tired of trying to make you care" speak to the frustration and exhaustion that come with investing in a relationship that feels one-sided.

Dynamic Shifts and Sonic Exploration

What sets "Deserve It" apart is its dynamic range. The verses build tension with their driving energy, while the chorus slows down to a grunge-infused crawl, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to sink in. This ebb and flow keeps the listener engaged and showcases High Vis's versatility as songwriters.

Production Prowess

The production on "Deserve It" is top-notch, with each instrument given space to breathe in the mix. The guitars have a thick, textured quality, while the drums provide a powerful backbone to the song. The overall effect is a sound that is both expansive and intimate, capturing the raw energy of High Vis's live performances while also highlighting the nuances of their songwriting.

A Lasting Impact

In short, "Deserve It" is a standout track on "Guided Tour" and a testament to High Vis's ability to blend genres and create music that is both powerful and emotionally resonant. It's a song that will stick with you long after the album has finished playing.

Listen to High Vis Deserve It

High Vis Deserve It Lyrics Meaning Explained

The meaning of "Deserve It" by High Vis is an exploration of a relationship teetering on the edge of collapse. Through raw and emotive lyrics, the song delves into the speaker's struggle to connect with an emotionally unavailable partner, highlighting the frustration, exhaustion, and deep yearning for reciprocation that characterize their dynamic. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a one-sided relationship where one partner desperately seeks emotional engagement while the other remains distant and closed off, clinging to "comforting negativity" and "emotional austerity." The song's central question, "Do you not deserve it?", serves as both a plea for the partner to recognize their own self-worth and a desperate attempt to salvage a connection that seems to be slipping away.

A Relationship on the Brink

The opening lines of "Deserve It" – "You can't take what isn't there to give / To live and to try / I just wish you'd try to live" – immediately establish a sense of yearning and frustration. The speaker is addressing someone who seems emotionally unavailable, unable or unwilling to offer the love and support they crave. This sets the stage for a song that explores the challenges of connecting with someone who is closed off and the exhaustion that comes with trying to make a one-sided relationship work.

Longing for Connection and Growth

The lines "When we go, we go together / Still not everywhere / Seen enough?" suggest a feeling of being stuck, of being held back by a partner who is content with the status quo. The speaker desires growth and new experiences, but their partner seems resistant to change. This is further emphasized by the lines "Are you tired of trying? / I'm tired of trying / Trying to make you care," which highlight the speaker's weariness and growing resentment. They have invested significant effort in the relationship, but their partner's lack of reciprocation has left them feeling drained and unappreciated.

Questioning Self-Worth

The chorus of "Deserve It" takes a different approach, directly questioning the partner's sense of self-worth: "Do you not deserve it? / Does it not feel worth it? / Do you not deserve it?" This repetition serves to emphasize the speaker's confusion and concern for their partner's emotional well-being. It's a plea for them to recognize their own value and the potential for happiness that exists within the relationship.

Emotional Austerity and a Plea for Vulnerability

The second verse delves deeper into the partner's emotional state, describing them as embracing "comforting negativity" and "emotional austerity." These phrases paint a picture of someone who is not only closed off but also perhaps finds solace in pessimism and avoids vulnerability. The lines "Are you coming down? / Are you coming down with me?" offer two potential interpretations: an invitation to join the speaker in a descent into negativity or a plea to let go of inhibitions and embrace vulnerability together.

A Desperate Plea

The repetition of "Deserve it" at the end of the song amplifies the core message. It's a final, desperate plea for the partner to recognize their own worth and the potential for a fulfilling relationship. The repetition underscores the speaker's growing desperation and their struggle to maintain hope in the face of their partner's emotional unavailability. Ultimately, "Deserve It" is a powerful and poignant exploration of self-worth, emotional disconnect, and the struggle to keep a relationship afloat when one partner is unwilling to fully participate.