Released: 2017
Halsey’s “Bad At Love” is a pop anthem that dives into the singer’s tumultuous love life. The song explores the idea of being perpetually unlucky in love, despite genuine attempts to make relationships work. Halsey candidly reflects on past relationships, acknowledging her own flaws and the recurring patterns that lead to heartbreak.
The song kicks off with Halsey reminiscing about a boy from Michigan. She describes their kisses tasting like Jack Daniels, hinting at a wild, perhaps intoxicating relationship. However, she admits to disliking his friends, which leads to a fallout, showcasing how her honesty can sometimes backfire. This sets the tone for the theme of self-sabotage in love.
Next, Halsey mentions a guy from the “garden state” (New Jersey) who had future plans with her. She tries to convince him that her music career is worth the wait, but he has traditional expectations, wanting her to be more domestic. This highlights the clash between her ambitions and conventional relationship roles.
The chorus is a confession of her repeated failures in love. Halsey admits to making the same mistakes over and over, feeling that jealousy often gets the best of her. Despite her efforts, she acknowledges being “bad at love,” yet insists she can’t be blamed for trying, showing her vulnerability and desire for connection.
Halsey then shifts to a girl with “California eyes,” suggesting a potential love interest who seemed promising. However, this relationship never materializes because the girl falls for “little thin white lines,” a metaphor for cocaine, indicating how substance abuse can derail relationships.
She also recalls a “London girl with an attitude,” a secretive fling that never became public. Despite having “better things to do,” she fondly remembers their time together, illustrating how fleeting and complicated love can be.
The bridge reveals Halsey’s fear of abandonment, expressing concern that her partners might leave as feelings fade. This vulnerability underscores her self-awareness of being “bad at love,” while also showing a glimmer of hope that someone might eventually “fix” her.
In the end, Halsey repeats the chorus, driving home the message that while she struggles with love, she’s not giving up. The song’s catchy hook and relatable lyrics resonate with anyone who’s felt like they’re just not good at relationships, making it a standout track in her discography.
