Bad As The Boys (feat. ALMA)

Tove Lo's song 'Bad As The Boys,' featuring ALMA, delves into the bittersweet experience of a summer romance that ends in heartbreak. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fleeting relationship that seemed promising but ultimately left the protagonist feeling used and discarded. The song captures the essence of a summer fling, where the initial excitement and hope for something more substantial are crushed by the realization that the other person was not as invested. The repeated line, 'She was just as bad as the boys,' highlights the disappointment and betrayal felt by the protagonist, emphasizing that heartbreak knows no gender.

The song's narrative is split between Tove Lo and ALMA, both sharing their perspectives on the same experience. Tove Lo's verses express a sense of longing and regret, as she reminisces about the good times and laments the loss of what could have been. Her lines, 'I run my fingers through her hair / Crushing my hope that this could go anywhere,' encapsulate the moment of realization that the relationship was doomed from the start. ALMA's verses, on the other hand, reveal a more cynical view, acknowledging that the other person used her for fun and left her feeling deceived. The line, 'Love hurts when it's fire, she's a liar,' underscores the pain of being misled by someone who seemed perfect at first.

The chorus, with its catchy melody and repetitive structure, reinforces the central theme of the song. The phrase 'I met her in the summer / Thinking life would get better / But she's gone now / Took my heart and sunk with it' is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of summer romances and the emotional toll they can take. The song also touches on the idea of resilience and self-acceptance, as seen in the lines 'Big girls cry, big girls cry / It's, it's, it's alright.' This suggests that it's okay to feel hurt and vulnerable, and that healing is a part of the process.

'Bad As The Boys' is a relatable anthem for anyone who has experienced the highs and lows of a short-lived romance. It captures the excitement, hope, and eventual disappointment that often accompany such relationships, while also offering a message of strength and self-compassion.