Mala Costumbre
Chiara Oliver
The Vicious Cycle of a Toxic Love
The song "Mala Costumbre" by Chiara Oliver delves into the emotional turmoil of a toxic relationship, where the protagonist is caught in a cycle of returning to a partner despite knowing it's detrimental. The lyrics open with a scene of parting ways, which seems to be a recurring event. The protagonist puts on a brave face, pretending to be fine, but internally acknowledges that waiting passively for things to change is futile.
The chorus, 'Qué mala costumbre,' which translates to 'What a bad habit,' highlights the destructive pattern of behavior where both parties avoid addressing their issues. The repetition of their actions prevents the protagonist from seeing 'the end of the tunnel,' symbolizing a way out of the relationship. The song captures the struggle between the mind and the heart, where logic dictates one should leave, but emotions draw the protagonist back in.
In the latter part of the song, the protagonist admits to being unable to resist the allure of their partner, even though they are fully aware of the pain it causes. The line 'After all the times you fucked me over, I can't help keep coming back for more' encapsulates the essence of a toxic relationship, where one is aware of the harm but feels powerless to break free. The song serves as a poignant reflection on the difficulty of leaving a relationship that is familiar yet harmful.