Dead Horse

Hayley Williams' song "Dead Horse" delves into the emotional aftermath of a toxic relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's struggle with depression and the lingering effects of a past relationship that felt suffocating, as symbolized by the recurring dream of being held underwater. The line "Held my breath for a decade" suggests a prolonged period of emotional suppression and endurance, while the act of dyeing her hair blue to match her lips signifies a transformation and an attempt to reclaim her identity.

The chorus, with its repetitive lines "I beat it like a dead horse, I beat it like a drum," reflects the cyclical nature of staying in a harmful relationship for too long. The metaphor of a skipping record highlights the repetitive and unchanging nature of the situation, where despite recognizing the toxicity, the singer continued to stay and even sing along to the "shitty never-ending song." This repetition underscores the difficulty of breaking free from patterns of behavior and emotional entanglement.

In the latter part of the song, Williams acknowledges her role in the relationship dynamics, admitting to being "the other woman first" and recognizing the fairness in the consequences she faced. The repeated hope that her goodbye caused the other person to cry indicates a desire for validation and acknowledgment of her pain. Ultimately, the song is a cathartic release, a way for Williams to process her emotions and move forward, as evidenced by the final lines, "And now you get another song." This signifies her reclaiming her voice and using her music as a means of healing and empowerment.