"Self Love" is a song that explores the theme of self-love and its importance in relationships. Coi Leray, the songwriter, sings about the struggles of someone who moved from a small town to the city in search of love and acceptance. The person found themselves in a situation where they feel hurt and vulnerable due to their partner's lack of self-love, which in turn makes them untrusting and doubtful.
The lyrics delve into the negative impact a lack of self-love can have on relationships. The chorus emphasizes how far the protagonist has come from her suburban town, which highlights her journey and the challenges she faced. In the first verse, Leray describes feeling drowned in her negative thoughts and turning to alcohol to numb her emotions. The second verse emphasizes the protagonist's lofty dreams and aspirations, which clash with her current reality, and her friends' extravagant lifestyles. The bridge serves as an instrumental break before repeating the pre-chorus and chorus.
The outro provides some context for the song's significance and relevance to the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse movie. It is suggested that in every other universe, Gwen Stacy falls for Spider-Man, but it never ends well. However, the first time they meet in that particular universe, there is hope for a good outcome.
Overall, the song "Self Love" emphasizes the importance of self-love for individuals in relationships and the impact that a lack of self-love can have on the individuals involved. It encourages listeners to prioritize their own well-being before expecting love and acceptance from others.