Love Is a Bad Word

Kiiara's song 'Love Is a Bad Word' delves into the complexities of emotional vulnerability and the fear of intimacy. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship where one partner is running away from their feelings, seemingly terrified of the depth of emotion they could experience. The repeated line, 'Like love is a bad word,' suggests that the concept of love has become something negative or frightening for this person, possibly due to past experiences or internal conflicts. This fear leads them to distance themselves, even though there is potential for a meaningful connection.

The song also touches on the frustration and confusion felt by the other partner, who is left in a state of emotional emergency. The line 'You're holding, holding your tongue with me' indicates a lack of communication, which exacerbates the situation. The need for the other person's voice to 'wash away my doubt' highlights the importance of open dialogue in resolving misunderstandings and building trust. The silence and avoidance create a barrier that prevents the relationship from flourishing.

Kiiara's lyrics also explore the theme of self-sabotage. The lines 'I can't help but wonder what's been on your mind, yeah / Like you're sabotaging every time it's right' suggest that the person is consciously or unconsciously undermining the relationship. This could be due to a fear of getting hurt or a reluctance to confront their true feelings. The mention of getting 'wasted' to avoid facing the situation further emphasizes the lengths to which someone might go to escape emotional pain. Through these poignant lyrics, Kiiara captures the struggle of wanting to connect but being held back by fear and doubt.