UNHEALTHY (feat. Shania Twain)
Anne-Marie
The Allure of Toxic Love in Anne-Marie's 'UNHEALTHY'
Anne-Marie's song 'UNHEALTHY (feat. Shania Twain)' delves into the complex emotions of being in a toxic relationship that one knows is detrimental, yet feels impossible to leave. The lyrics use powerful metaphors to compare the addictive nature of an unhealthy love to that of cigarettes and the lingering pain of hangovers, suggesting that the relationship is both harmful and addictive. The protagonist acknowledges the concerns of family and friends, who all advise her to leave the relationship, but she feels a pull towards her partner that she cannot resist.
The chorus of the song, 'Well, if it's unhealthy, then I don't give a damn,' encapsulates the defiant attitude of the protagonist. Despite the clear signs of the relationship being bad for her, she chooses to stay, driven by the intensity of the connection she feels with her partner. This sentiment is a common one in situations where love and logic conflict, and the emotional high of the relationship outweighs the rational understanding of its negative impact.
The song also touches on the theme of social pressure and the struggle between personal desire and external advice. The protagonist is fully aware of the disapproval from those around her, yet she asserts her autonomy by choosing to stay with her partner. This defiance is a statement of personal agency, even if it leads to self-destructive behavior. The repetition of 'Eh, eh, ayy' throughout the song serves as a musical embodiment of the protagonist's unwavering stance, reinforcing the idea that despite everything, she will remain with her partner.