Forever ... (is a long time)

Halsey's song 'Forever ... (is a long time)' delves into the complexities of love, self-worth, and the struggle for authenticity. The opening lines, 'I spent a long time watering a plant made out of plastic / And I cursed the ground for growing green,' set the tone for a narrative about investing time and effort into something artificial, only to realize its futility. This metaphor extends to relationships and personal growth, where the singer reflects on substituting genuine emotions with sarcasm, leading to self-reproach and a sense of emptiness.

The lyrics transition into a more introspective phase with 'You cut me open and sucked the poison from an aging wound,' suggesting a moment of healing and vulnerability. The imagery of 'fifty thousand war cadets' cowering before a 'small brunette' highlights the singer's inner strength and resilience, despite external appearances. This juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability is a recurring theme, as the singer grapples with the desire for more light and clarity in her relationships, symbolized by the Moon.

The song's climax addresses the inherent imperfections in love and self-perception. 'Love built, God built provinces / Build calluses, break promises' speaks to the inevitable hardships and broken promises that come with love. The singer's admission, 'I could never hold a perfect thing and not demolish it,' reveals a deep-seated fear of inadequacy and self-sabotage. The closing lines, 'Talk to your man, tell him he's got bad news comin',' suggest a looming confrontation or realization, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and introspection.