The Prologue

Halsey's song "The Prologue" opens with a direct reference to the prologue of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." The lyrics mirror the original text, setting the stage for a tale of love and conflict. By invoking this classic story, Halsey immediately draws parallels between the timeless themes of love, family feuds, and societal expectations, and the modern world. The reference to "star-cross'd lovers" and the tragic end that buries their parents' strife highlights the cyclical nature of such conflicts and the often-painful consequences of deeply rooted animosities.

Transitioning from Shakespeare's words, Halsey shifts to a personal and contemporary reflection. The lines "I am a child of a money hungry, prideful country" and "Grass is green and it's always sunny" paint a picture of a society obsessed with wealth and appearances. The imagery of "hands so bloody, tastes like honey" suggests a nation that achieves its prosperity through morally questionable means, yet masks its darker side with a veneer of sweetness and allure. This duality reflects the internal struggle of someone who recognizes the flaws in their environment but finds it difficult to break free from its grasp.

The repetition of the verse underscores the internal conflict and the difficulty of escaping a deeply ingrained system. Halsey's use of vivid and contrasting imagery serves to critique the societal values that prioritize wealth and pride over genuine human connection and morality. By juxtaposing the timeless tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet" with modern societal issues, Halsey creates a powerful commentary on the enduring nature of human conflict and the personal struggles that arise from living in a flawed society.