The Psychology Behind Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)”
The Start Of The Song
“Habits (Stay High)” was released in 2013. It was Tove Lo’s first hit song, achieving commercial success in many countries around the world. The song was co-written by Habits producer, The Struts, a duo from Stockholm, Sweden. The song is about the Swedish singer’s coping mechanism after a break-up, as she reflects on the things she does to try to numb the pain and deal with her emotions.
The Chorus’s Impact
The chorus of “Habits (Stay High)” highlights that Tove Lo uses smoking cigarettes, drinking, and getting high as an escape from the pain. However, she also understands that these habits are unhealthy and not the answer to getting over heartbreak. The chorus goes:
“You’re gone and I gotta stay high
All the time to keep you off my mind”
As a listener, the chorus is quite unforgettable, and this is one reason why “Habits (Stay High)” became so popular. Tove Lo’s raw and honest lyrics resonated with audiences, and her work created a space to talk about mental health issues and breakups.
The Meaning of “Habits (Stay High)”
The lyrics of “Habits (Stay High)” are about coping in an unhealthy way with heartbreak. This song has resonated with many listeners due to its relatable content. For many, habits such as drinking or smoking are coping mechanisms for dealing with the pain of a breakup. However, as with Tove Lo’s experience, these habits can become addictive and can have negative effects on mental and physical health.
The songwriter has said that she wrote “Habits (Stay High)” as a way to cope with the end of a significant relationship. The song is a reflection of how she was coping with the emotions that come with heartbreak. It’s a frank and honest depiction of the way many people cope with emotional pain. By singing about her experience, Tove Lo has created a space for others to discuss their own situations.
The Reality Of Emotional Pain
Many experts in the field of mental health confirm that the use of substance abuse or negative habits to cope with emotional pain is widespread. In 2020, an American survey showed that 42% of adults reported anxiety and/or depressive symptoms consistent with the criteria of an anxiety or depressive disorder.
It is essential to identify and acknowledge the personal habits that may develop during the healing process and the potential harm that they may cause. It is also important to develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with emotional pain and heartbreak.
Reflecting On “Habits (Stay High)”
As “Habits (Stay High)” gained popularity, many people spoke out about the song’s influence on their lives. It opened many discussions on the coping mechanisms used by people experiencing heartbreak. Many people, especially women, could relate to Tove Lo’s lyrics.
Her representation of heartbreak as an emotional pain that can lead to addiction in the quest to escape it was a public engagement that was not common. The song portrayed a reality that many of us have experienced, and its success showed that there was a need for such openness.
Conclusion
Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” is a song that reflects an interpretation of personal struggle with heartbreak through a creative outlet. The song’s success and impact go beyond the song’s catchy beat and beautiful lyrics and resonate on deeper chords.
The song creates space to talk about mental health and relationship issues, and the importance of mental and emotional health during the process of healing. Tove Lo shows that it’s essential to talk openly and honestly about the methods we use to cope with emotional pain and heartbreak. It’s a reminder that we must aim for healthier, more positive ways to move on from our bad experiences.
