Habits

Genevieve Stokes' song 'Habits' delves into the emotional turmoil of trying to move on from past relationships and the difficulty of changing one's own entrenched behaviors. The lyrics express a sense of frustration and resignation as the speaker acknowledges their struggle to kick certain habits, which metaphorically represent both the literal actions and the emotional patterns tied to former lovers. The ghosts of these relationships haunt the speaker, indicating that they are unable to fully let go of the past, despite recognizing the need to do so.

The chorus of the song captures the cyclical nature of an on-again, off-again relationship, likening the love they feel to oxygen—essential and life-sustaining, yet also something that can be overwhelming and difficult to manage. This comparison underscores the intensity of the emotional connection and the speaker's confusion about how to handle their feelings. The relationship is portrayed as one that is right in terms of emotional connection but wrong in timing or circumstances, leading to a push-and-pull dynamic that leaves the speaker uncertain and pleading for clarity.

Stokes also touches on themes of personal growth and resistance to authority or advice. The speaker admits to being stubborn and pretending to know more than they do, suggesting a youthful defiance and a reluctance to mature. However, there is also an acknowledgment of the need to grow up without losing one's essence, as indicated by the line 'I'm growing up, but I'm not growing old.' The song encapsulates the internal conflict between wanting to change and the comfort of staying the same, a universal struggle that resonates with many listeners.