HEAVEN

Demi Lovato's song 'HEAVEN' delves into the complex interplay between sin, pleasure, and redemption. The lyrics reveal a personal struggle with secret desires and the societal and religious judgments that come with them. Lovato opens with the line, 'I had a secret, it killed me to keep it,' suggesting a burden of hidden truths that weigh heavily on the soul. The mention of Jesus and hymns sung alone in a basement evokes a sense of isolation and a search for spiritual solace amidst inner turmoil.

The chorus, 'Crucified for the life I'm living, Oh my God, hope I'm forgiven, Going to hell 'cause it feels like heaven,' captures the essence of the song. Lovato juxtaposes the ecstasy of forbidden pleasures with the fear of eternal damnation, highlighting the internal conflict between carnal desires and moral consequences. The use of religious imagery, such as crucifixion and speaking in tongues, adds a layer of depth, suggesting a struggle for redemption and self-acceptance in the face of societal condemnation.

In the second verse, Lovato continues to explore themes of self-discovery and defiance. Lines like 'If pleasure's wrong, cast me out like a sinner, I found myself with my two little fingers' speak to the empowerment found in embracing one's true self, even if it means being labeled a sinner. The repeated phrase 'cut it off' can be interpreted as a call to sever ties with guilt and shame, embracing one's identity fully. The song's conclusion, with its repetitive 'la, la, la' chant, leaves listeners with a sense of liberation and acceptance, despite the looming threat of judgment.