Released in 2017, 'Bad at Love' is a standout single from Halsey's sophomore album, 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom.' The song showcases her unique blend of pop and alternative influences, resonating with themes of love and heartbreak. Halsey, born Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, uses vivid storytelling and emotional lyrics, making it a relatable anthem for many listeners. The song's catchy chorus and straightforward lyrics make it an excellent choice for English learners looking to understand conversational English.
Lyrics
Bad at love — Halsey
English
Got a boy back home in Michigan
And he tastes like Jack when I'm kissing him
So I told him that I never really liked his friends
Now he's gone and he's callin' me a bitch again
There's a guy that lives in the Garden State
And he told me that we'd make it 'til we graduate
So I told him that the music would be worth the wait
But he wants me in the kitchen with a dinner plate
I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe that we're meant to be
But jealousy, jealousy, jealousy, jealousy get the best of me
Look, I don't mean to frustrate, but I
Always make the same mistakes [2x]
I'm bad at love
But you can't blame me for trying
You know I'd be lying saying
You were the one
That could finally fix me
Looking at my history
I'm bad at love
Got a girl with California eyes
And I thought that she could really be the one this time
But I never got the chance to make her mine
Because she fell in love with little thin white lines
London girl with an attitude
We never told no one, but we look so cute
Both got way better things to do
But I always think about it when I'm riding through
[...]
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Simple Past
The Simple Past tense is used to describe actions that were completed in the past. It is often used in storytelling to describe past events, making it an essential structure for English learners to master. Understanding this tense helps convey sequences of events and personal histories.
"So I told him that I never really liked his friends" — This line describes a past action regarding a conversation the speaker had.
"But I never got the chance to make her mine" — Here, the use of 'never got' indicates an action that was not completed in the past.
"I always make the same mistakes" — This implies a repeated action in the past, showing a pattern of behavior.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking one of Halsey's highest chart positions at the time.
Halsey co-wrote 'Bad at Love' with frequent collaborator Greg Kurstin, known for his work with major artists including Adele and Sia.
The music video visually represents the song’s narrative, featuring Halsey in various settings that depict her experiences with love.
The song's success contributed to the growing representation of bisexual artists in mainstream pop music, further bridging gaps in LGBTQ+ visibility.
Multiple artists have covered 'Bad at Love,' highlighting its widespread appeal and Halsey's influence in contemporary pop.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This song is great for learning English due to its relatable vocabulary and clear pronunciation. The chorus and verses offer repetition of key phrases, helping learners reinforce their understanding. The informal language used reflects common conversational English, making it easier to connect with everyday speech. Overall, 'Bad at Love' combines emotional depth with accessible language, ideal for intermediate learners.
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