The song “Teddy Bear” by Melanie Martinez tells a dark and twisted story through its lyrics. In the song, the singer describes creating a teddy bear with love and care, stitching it together with cotton and feather, representing a symbol of comfort and protection initially. However, as the song progresses, the teddy bear morphs into a sinister figure that represents a toxic and violent relationship.

The lyrics portray a gradual shift in the relationship with the teddy bear, symbolizing a person who was once comforting and quiet but turns dangerous and threatening. The teddy bear begins to exhibit disturbing behaviors, such as talking in their sleep about harming the singer, leaving knives under the sheets, and stalking them inside their home. This transformation from a source of comfort to a source of fear and violence reflects the deterioration of a once-loving connection.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the contrast between the teddy bear’s initial comforting presence and its later violent tendencies. The singer questions how love could turn into something so destructive, highlighting the betrayal and hurt experienced in the relationship. The repeated post-chorus adds to the haunting and eerie atmosphere of the song, reinforcing the fear and unease surrounding the teddy bear’s actions.

The bridge of the song introduces reversed lyrics, adding a haunting and unsettling layer to the narrative. The repeated phrase “Uoy worgtuo t’ndid I” (I didn’t grow out of you) reflects the singer’s realization that they never truly understood the true nature of the teddy bear and the relationship until it was too late.

Overall, “Teddy Bear” by Melanie Martinez delves into themes of love, manipulation, and the danger of toxic relationships. The song serves as a cautionary tale about the deceptive nature of certain connections and the importance of recognizing red flags before they escalate into something more harmful.