Bad At Love
Halsey
The Struggle with Love and Self-Acceptance in Halsey's 'Bad At Love'
Halsey's 'Bad At Love' is a candid exploration of the artist's personal difficulties in maintaining romantic relationships. The lyrics recount past relationships and the patterns that seem to doom them. Each verse introduces a different lover from a different place, highlighting the transient nature of these connections and the reasons they didn't last. From the boy in Michigan to the London girl, Halsey reflects on her own role in the relationships' failures, acknowledging her mistakes and the recurring theme of being 'bad at love.'
The chorus of 'Bad At Love' serves as a confession and a form of self-acceptance. Halsey admits to trying despite knowing her own shortcomings in relationships. The line 'You know I'd be lyin' sayin' / You were the one' suggests a recognition that no single person can 'fix' her, and that perhaps the issue lies within her own patterns and behaviors. This is a powerful statement about self-awareness and the realization that expecting others to solve one's personal issues is futile.
The song also touches on themes of jealousy and fear of abandonment, which are common in relationships but are rarely addressed with such honesty. Halsey's openness about her struggles provides a sense of relatability for listeners who may have experienced similar challenges. The repeated line 'I know that you're afraid / I'm gonna walk away' captures the insecurity that can plague both partners in a relationship, further complicating the ability to maintain a healthy connection.