10 Hidden Meanings Behind the ‘Habits’ Song You Didn’t Know About
Released in 2013, Habits (Stay High) by Swedish artist Tove Lo quickly became a global hit, with its catchy melody and raw, relatable lyrics. The song delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and self-destruction, all set against a backdrop of upbeat pop music. However, beneath the surface of this catchy tune lies a deeper, more complex message. Whether you’ve been singing along to the chorus or have simply enjoyed the catchy beats, here are 10 hidden meanings behind the ‘Habits’ song you didn’t know about.
1. The Song Reflects the Struggles of Heartbreak
At its core, Habits (Stay High) explores the painful aftermath of a broken relationship. Tove Lo addresses the emotional emptiness that can follow the end of a love affair. The lyrics reveal the protagonist’s attempts to cope with loneliness by indulging in self-destructive behaviors, such as partying and substance use, to numb the pain.
Hidden meaning: The song is an honest depiction of how some people turn to unhealthy habits to cope with the emotional void left by lost love.
2. The Reference to Escapism
The chorus, “I stay high all the time to keep you off my mind,” serves as a clear metaphor for escapism. Tove Lo sings about using substances to block out painful memories and feelings. While the lyrics suggest that the protagonist is using temporary distractions, there’s an underlying message about the futility of escaping from emotions.
Hidden meaning: The song highlights the cycle of trying to escape reality through unhealthy habits, but eventually, the problems resurface, leaving a feeling of emptiness.
3. Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism
Tove Lo doesn’t shy away from depicting the raw reality of substance use. In the song, she refers to smoking and drinking as ways of “staying high” to deal with her emotions. This reflects a modern-day struggle many face in an attempt to manage anxiety, depression, and heartbreak.
Hidden meaning: The song subtly comments on how substance use can be a temporary coping mechanism, but it ultimately only delays healing and self-reflection.
4. A Commentary on Mental Health Struggles
While the song centers on the narrator’s relationship struggles, there’s an implicit commentary on mental health issues, especially in terms of self-medication. The reference to staying high could symbolize a mental escape from overwhelming emotions and psychological pain.
Hidden meaning: The song touches on the idea that people with mental health struggles often resort to self-destructive behaviors because they don’t have healthier coping mechanisms in place.
5. A Sense of Empowerment Despite the Chaos
While the lyrics are introspective and melancholic, there is also a sense of empowerment. The narrator seems to embrace their chaotic, self-destructive ways, almost as a form of personal freedom. This could be interpreted as a person reclaiming control, albeit in an unhealthy way, after feeling emotionally shackled by a relationship.
Hidden meaning: There’s a contradiction in the song where pain and empowerment coexist, highlighting the complexity of human emotions in difficult situations.
6. Exploring the Concept of Toxic Love
Throughout the song, the narrator reflects on the fact that love can be intoxicating and even destructive. The idea of getting high to avoid thinking about someone suggests that the love was so consuming it left the person lost without it. This reveals the damaging effects that toxic love can have on one’s mental and emotional state.
Hidden meaning: The song suggests that toxic relationships can alter how we view love and affection, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms when the relationship ends.
7. The Paradox of Freedom and Loss
While the protagonist engages in behaviors that temporarily release them from pain, there’s a paradox in the freedom they seek. They’re free from the emotional burden of the relationship, but in doing so, they lose their sense of self and fall deeper into unhealthy habits. It’s a vicious cycle of seeking liberation that ultimately leads to greater emotional imprisonment.
Hidden meaning: Habits (Stay High) explores the paradox where an individual may think they are freeing themselves from emotional turmoil, but they end up ensnared by their own behavior.
8. The Dichotomy of Pop and Dark Themes
Musically, Habits (Stay High) combines a catchy pop melody with dark, heavy themes of loneliness and self-doubt. This contrast mirrors the way the protagonist hides their inner turmoil behind a facade of carefree partying. It’s an intentional juxtaposition that brings depth to the song, making it both danceable and thought-provoking.
Hidden meaning: The upbeat melody contrasts with the dark lyrical content to show how society often masks deeper struggles with superficial distractions.
9. A Call for Emotional Honesty
In interviews, Tove Lo has described the song as a reflection of her raw emotional state. The song’s blunt, no-holds-barred approach to heartbreak and self-doubt is a call for emotional honesty. The lyrics are unfiltered, making the song feel like a confession or diary entry rather than a carefully crafted pop anthem.
Hidden meaning: Habits (Stay High) encourages emotional transparency and vulnerability, embracing the messy, imperfect nature of human emotions.
10. A Reflection of the Digital Age’s Impact on Relationships
In a modern context, the song could also be seen as a reflection of the impact of technology and social media on relationships. The ease of access to instant gratification through online interactions or substance use can mirror the temporary distractions the protagonist uses to avoid confronting their feelings.
Hidden meaning: The song could be seen as a critique of how digital distractions, like social media or quick fixes, detract from true emotional healing and self-reflection.
Conclusion
Habits (Stay High) is a song that blends catchy pop beats with a depth of emotion, exploring the complexities of love, loss, and self-destruction. Beyond the surface of a simple party anthem, Tove Lo’s lyrics provide a raw, unfiltered look at the ways people cope with heartbreak and emotional pain. By reflecting on these 10 hidden meanings, you can see that Habits (Stay High) is much more than just a catchy tune—it’s a layered exploration of human vulnerability, mental health, and the coping mechanisms that people often turn to when faced with emotional turmoil.