Problems

Album: Until You're Satisfied (2025)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Problems" is Yonaka's raw breakup anthem about the exact point where love stops feeling safe and begins to turn toxic. Frontwoman Theresa Jarvis lays her flaws bare, admitting, "It's like I said, I've got problems," as she wrestles with the guilt, resentment, and dependence that can keep two people trapped together long after the joy is gone.
  • The track opens Yonaka's second album, Until You're Satisfied, because it perfectly establishes the record's emotional landscape. Jarvis noted that the song is "about when love starts to turn a little bit ugly," stressing that while the album revolves around love, "it's not all gooey; it's the dirty bits and the harsh bits that happen to everyone whether you admit it or not." Relationships, after all, have an unfortunate habit of arriving without instructions or warning labels.
  • Jarvis drew "Problems" from various experiences of love turning sour, including romantic and platonic relationships, as well as the pain of losing people. She told Kerrang! the album's lyrics come directly from real relationships and from asking herself, "How is this gonna last?" Her words suggest the song reflects a genuine breakup where affection curdled into something messy and difficult.
  • Guitarist George Edwards and bassist Alex Crosby swapped instruments on the track. "We wrote the bones of it late one night almost by accident and in about 10 minutes," Jarvis told The Sun. "The bass being played like a guitar made me feel a certain way and that chorus just came bursting out."
  • Directed by Samuel Douek, the video was shot at Sugar Studios in Greenwich, London. The video matches the song's themes by juxtaposing intimate performance shots of Jarvis with stylized, strobing visuals and a dark, club‑like set design, reinforcing the idea of love turning chaotic and disorienting.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Song Cities

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.