Habits

Haley Reinhart's 'Habits' is a poignant exploration of coping mechanisms and the lengths to which one might go to avoid the pain of loss or heartbreak. The song delves into the narrative of someone who engages in various activities to distract themselves from the emotional turmoil of missing someone they care about. Reinhart's soulful voice and the melancholic melody complement the song's introspective lyrics, creating a powerful and relatable anthem for those dealing with similar struggles.

The opening lines of 'Habits' immediately set the scene for a life filled with escapism. The protagonist eats dinner in the bathtub and visits sex clubs, seeking out extreme experiences that might provide a temporary reprieve from their restless mind. The mention of 'freaky people gettin' it on' suggests a detachment from the norm and a dive into the unconventional, perhaps as a way to feel something other than the numbness of their own emotions. The cycle of indulgence continues with binge-eating and substance abuse, highlighting the destructive patterns that can emerge when one is trying to stay perpetually 'high' to avoid confronting their feelings.

The chorus is a candid admission of the protagonist's dependency on staying 'high all the time' to keep someone off their mind. This refrain is not just about substance use but also about the mental state of being disconnected from reality. The song's bridge, 'Stayin' in my play pretend / Where the fun ain't got no end,' further emphasizes the desire to remain in a fantasy world where pain does not exist. Reinhart's portrayal of this character is not judgmental but rather empathetic, acknowledging the deep-seated pain that can drive a person to seek solace in harmful habits. 'Habits' is a raw and honest depiction of the struggle to cope with absence and the sometimes self-destructive ways people attempt to fill the void left by lost love.