Released: 2020
Halsey’s “Without Me” is a raw, emotional anthem about heartbreak and betrayal. The song captures the pain of giving everything to someone who ultimately takes advantage of your love and support. It’s a reflection on the feeling of being used and the realization that the person you helped rise to success now believes they can thrive without you.
The opening lines set the stage with Halsey finding someone at their lowest point, their heart broken. She describes filling their ‘cup until it overflowed,’ meaning she gave them all her love and support, even when it drained her. This selfless act was done out of fear of leaving them alone, showing her deep emotional investment.
As the song progresses, Halsey talks about being there to ‘catch you if you fall,’ a promise of unwavering support. The line ‘if they laugh, then fuck ’em all’ suggests a defiance against anyone who doubted or mocked their relationship. She lifted them up, only to feel used in return, as they took advantage of her kindness.
The chorus is a powerful confrontation, asking ‘how’s it feel sitting up there?’ This is a metaphor for the person feeling high and mighty, possibly due to the success or confidence Halsey helped them achieve. Yet, despite being elevated, they’re ‘too far away to hold me,’ highlighting the emotional distance that has grown between them.
Halsey repeats that she’s the one who ‘put you up there,’ emphasizing her role in their rise. The question ‘does it ever get lonely?’ hints at the emptiness of their success without genuine connection. The repeated line ‘thinking you could live without me’ underscores her disbelief and hurt that they could forget her contribution.
In the second verse, Halsey admits to giving love ‘a hundred tries,’ showing her persistence despite the challenges. She mentions ‘running from the demons in your mind,’ suggesting the person’s internal struggles, which she tried to help with. However, her love was ‘blind,’ meaning she didn’t see how she was being taken for granted.
The bridge reveals Halsey’s realization of betrayal, as she found out what happened from others. This adds a layer of hurt, knowing the truth came from outside sources. The final chorus repeats the earlier questions, driving home the emotional impact of her experience. It’s a mix of heartbreak and empowerment, as she acknowledges her worth despite the pain.
