bad guy
Adelle Lyrics


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White shirt now red, my bloody nose
Sleepin', you're on your tippy toes
Creepin' around like no one knows
Think you're so criminal
Bruises on both my knees for you
Don't say thank you or please
I do what I want when I'm wanting to
My soul? So cynical
So you're a tough guy
Like it really rough guy
Just can't get enough guy
Chest always so puffed guy
I'm that bad type
Make your mama sad type
Make your girlfriend mad tight
Might seduce your dad type
I'm the bad guy, duh
I'm the bad guy
I like it when you take control
Even if you know that you don't
Own me, I'll let you play the role
I'll be your animal
My mommy likes to sing along with me
But she won't sing this song
If she reads all the lyrics
She'll pity the men I know
So you're a tough guy
Like it really rough guy
Just can't get enough guy
Chest always so puffed guy
I'm that bad type
Make your mama sad type
Make your girlfriend mad tight
Might seduce your dad type
I'm the bad guy, duh
I'm the bad guy, duh
I'm only good at being bad, bad
I like when you get mad
I guess I'm pretty glad that you're alone
You said she's scared of me?
I mean, I don't see what she sees
But maybe it's 'cause I'm wearing your cologne
I'm a bad guy
I'm, I'm a bad guy




Bad guy, bad guy
I'm a bad

Overall Meaning

In the lyrics of Adelle's song "Bad Guy," the singer begins by describing a physical altercation with someone, illustrated by the imagery of a white shirt now stained with her bloody nose. The mention of bruises on her knees suggests a situation where she has been mistreated by this person. Despite this mistreatment, she seems to play along with this person, not expecting gratitude or politeness in return. She portrays herself as indifferent and somewhat jaded, referring to her soul as cynical.


The chorus of the song shifts to the persona of the "bad guy," where she assumes this identity with a sense of defiance and provocation. She taunts the listener with suggestive lines about being the type that could upset traditional expectations or societal norms. The lyrics suggest a rebellious and confrontational attitude, challenging notions of traditional masculinity and societal conventions. The repetition of "I'm the bad guy, duh" reinforces this assertive persona she has adopted.


As the song progresses, Adelle delves into the dynamics of power and control in a relationship. She expresses a willingness to let the other person take the lead, even if she retains agency in allowing them to play a certain role. The references to familial disapproval, such as her mother not approving of the lyrics, hint at a rebellious or controversial nature in her interactions with others. The lines about seducing someone's father further highlight her provocative and daring demeanor.


In the final verses of the song, Adelle reflects on her own nature as a "bad guy," admitting that she thrives in playing this role and enjoys eliciting strong reactions from others. She seems to derive a sense of satisfaction from inciting displeasure or discomfort in those around her, reveling in the chaos and discord she creates. The repeated assertion of being a "bad guy" underscores her self-awareness and acceptance of her unconventional and sometimes controversial behavior. Overall, the lyrics of "Bad Guy" portray a complex character who navigates power dynamics, societal expectations, and personal desires with a bold and unapologetic attitude.


Line by Line Meaning

White shirt now red, my bloody nose
My clothes stained with blood from the fight we had


Sleepin', you're on your tippy toes
You're acting sneaky and cautious even in your sleep


Creepin' around like no one knows
You're trying to hide your true intentions


Think you're so criminal
You believe you're rebellious and fearless


Bruises on both my knees for you
I endured pain and suffering because of you


Don't say thank you or please
You show no gratitude or manners


I do what I want when I'm wanting to
I act impulsively based on my desires


My soul? So cynical
I have a pessimistic and distrustful nature


So you're a tough guy
You portray yourself as strong and resilient


Like it really rough guy
You enjoy challenges and difficulties


Just can't get enough guy
You constantly seek more and are never satisfied


Chest always so puffed guy
You display arrogance and self-importance


I'm that bad type
I am the kind of person who causes trouble


Make your mama sad type
I have the ability to disappoint and hurt even your mother


Make your girlfriend mad tight
I can make your girlfriend feel intense emotions, both good and bad


Might seduce your dad type
I have the potential to attract even your father


I'm the bad guy, duh
It's obvious that I have a negative reputation


I like it when you take control
I enjoy when you assert dominance and power


Even if you know that you don't
Even though you are aware that you don't have full control over me


Own me, I'll let you play the role
Although I'm independent, I'll allow you to take charge


I'll be your animal
I'll act instinctively and emotionally for you


My mommy likes to sing along with me
My mother enjoys sharing moments with me


But she won't sing this song
But she would disapprove of the content of this song


If she reads all the lyrics
If she pays attention to the words


She'll pity the men I know
She would feel sorry for the men I associate with


I'm only good at being bad, bad
My strength lies in causing chaos and trouble


I like when you get mad
I enjoy triggering strong emotions from you


I guess I'm pretty glad that you're alone
I find it satisfying that you're not in a relationship


You said she's scared of me?
You claim that another person fears me


I mean, I don't see what she sees
I don't understand why she feels that way


But maybe it's 'cause I'm wearing your cologne
Perhaps her perception is influenced by your scent on me


I'm a bad guy
I have a dark and rebellious side




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billie Eilish O'Connell, Finneas Baird O'Connell, Jason P. D. Boyd, Justin Drew Bieber

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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