What It Cost

Bad Omens' song "What It Cost" delves into the emotional turmoil and realization that comes with betrayal and manipulation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who has been taken advantage of, their heart broken by someone who only sought to take and break. The repetition of the words "take, take, take" and "break, break, break" emphasizes the relentless nature of the betrayal, highlighting the emotional exhaustion and pain inflicted by the betrayer.

The chorus introduces a powerful metaphor, comparing the betrayer to a villain. The protagonist acknowledges that they couldn't be the villain in this scenario, suggesting a moral high ground or an inherent goodness that contrasts sharply with the manipulative nature of the other person. The line "I didn't need it, it needed me" suggests a toxic relationship where the protagonist was essential to the villain's existence, yet they were ultimately used and discarded.

The song also touches on the theme of regret and the irreversible consequences of one's actions. The line "You couldn't change, look what it cost" serves as a poignant reminder of the price of stubbornness and refusal to change. The repeated phrase "look what it cost" underscores the heavy toll that betrayal and manipulation take on both parties involved. Through its raw and evocative lyrics, "What It Cost" captures the essence of emotional betrayal and the painful journey of recognizing and confronting the true nature of those who hurt us.