You should be sad

Halsey's 'You should be sad' is a poignant reflection on a past relationship marked by disappointment and self-realization. The song begins with the artist expressing a need to convey her feelings without harboring anger or malice, but rather a tinge of regret. This sets the tone for a candid and introspective narrative about recognizing the shortcomings of a former partner and the relief of escaping a potentially toxic future with them.

The chorus of the song is a powerful indictment of the ex-partner's character, suggesting that they are not as great as they believe themselves to be. Halsey sings about the futility of trying to fill an emotional void with material possessions and superficial pleasures. The repeated lines about being glad not to have had a child with this person underscore the gravity of her relief, as it would have permanently tied her to someone incapable of selfless love. The song's title, 'You should be sad,' serves as a poignant suggestion that the ex-partner should reflect on their own failings and the pain they've caused.

Throughout the song, Halsey alternates between feelings of sorrow for her ex and a sense of vindication for having left the relationship. The lyrics convey a journey from trying to fix someone broken to the realization that some people can't be helped if they don't want to change. The emotional weight of the song is carried by Halsey's vocal delivery, which ranges from tender to defiant, encapsulating the complex emotions involved in letting go of a toxic relationship.