Discover the story of the song > Messed Up – Aaliyah

The protagonist is expressing her frustration with her romantic partner, emphasizing that she doesn't need him. She points out that he doesn't compliment her or do simple romantic gestures, which is where he went wrong. She asserts that she doesn't need him to provide for her financially or take her out to dinner because she has her own jewelry and can handle losing or winning. She also mentions that she can't keep holding on and waiting for him while he has fun, thus highlighting his mistake. Ultimately, she decides that it's time to cut ties with him because he has tried to manipulate her mind and she doesn't need him anymore. She reiterates that she doesn't need him like a brother and he needs to get his act together. She concludes by highlighting how he messed up by thinking she still needs him.