"Why Do You Love Me" is a song by alternative rock band Garbage, released as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Bleed Like Me (2005). The single was the first taste of the band's change in musical direction, eschewing the electronic-leaning production of their preceding albums Beautiful Garbage and Version 2.0 for guitar-led rock. "It's about the fundamental insecurity in all human beings that they are unlovable", band singer and lyricist Shirley Manson told NME, "Feeling unlovable drives us into marriage, monogamy, jealousy and possessiveness." "I feel that at the base of everyone there's a belief that we're truly lovable. But we often question it, which is why we seek out exclusive relationships." Uptempo, and wrapped around a signature monster guitar riff, "Why Do You Love Me" was described by the band as "Spector-esque" in interviews. In the United States, "Why Do You Love Me" became Garbage's first Hot 100 appearance in over six years, since "Special" reached number 52 in May 1999, and first top 10 song at alternative radio since "I Think I'm Paranoid" peaked at number six in September 1998. In the United Kingdom, "Why Do You Love Me" was Garbage's highest charting single since 1996's "Stupid Girl" and broke a run of six consecutive Garbage singles to fall short of the UK Top 10. "Why Do You Love Me" propelled the Bleed Like Me album to the top five in Australia, United Kingdom and in the United States, where the album debuted at a career-high number four. Background "Why Do You Love Me" was written and recorded at the band's own Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin. Garbage had quietly disbanded during the sessions for Bleed Like Me in October 2003, before reforming to make a fresh start on the album early the next year. Drummer Butch Vig found himself confused over which direction to take the band's sound, before deciding to strip back to the basics of electric guitar, bass guitar and drums, using more first takes from vocalist and lyricist Shirley Manson's vocals, and reducing the synth components. Despite the basic tracks for "Why Do You Love Me" existing for some time, it was a song that didn't come together until near the end of the album sessions. "It sounds like a girl-group sped up... a girl-group on speed" guitarist Duke Erikson later described. Bass parts were performed by session musician Justin Meldal-Johnsen.