Habits (Stay High)

Tove Lo's 'Habits (Stay High)' is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of coping with the aftermath of a breakup. The Swedish singer-songwriter, known for her candid approach to songwriting and her electropop style, delves into the mechanisms one might use to escape the pain of lost love. The lyrics are a candid reflection of the lengths to which someone might go to avoid confronting their emotions, choosing instead to numb the pain through various means.

The song opens with scenes of indulgence and escapism, as the protagonist eats dinner in a bathtub and frequents sex clubs. These actions are not out of enjoyment but are attempts to distract from the restlessness and loneliness caused by a significant other's absence. The mention of 'watchin' freaky people gettin' it on' and 'binge on all my Twinkies' paints a picture of excess and self-destructive behavior. The chorus is a blunt admission of the need to 'stay high all the time' to keep the ex-partner off their mind, highlighting the intensity of the emotional struggle.

As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal a pattern of seeking temporary fixes, such as 'pick up daddies at the playground' and 'stayin' in my play pretend,' which suggests a desire to maintain a facade of fun and carefreeness. However, these actions are merely a band-aid over the wound of missing someone deeply. Tove Lo's portrayal of this character's experience is a poignant reminder of the human tendency to seek out immediate relief from emotional pain, even when it leads to self-destructive habits. 'Habits (Stay High)' resonates with listeners because it encapsulates the desperation and vulnerability that often accompany heartbreak.