As explained by Conan Gray via MTV News, this upbeat bedroom pop banger is about people who send out rumors. More specifically, it was written “after getting a midnight drunk sob text from ex.”
"They’d been running all around town telling everyone that I was some freak who wouldn’t leave them alone when in reality, they were the freak, sending strange late-night texts and showing up at my shows unannounced."
The song was first teased by Conan in a Tweet when he revealed that “Maniac” is his favorite song off his debut album. The title of this track was also teased through a cryptic Twitter thread, giving out one letter at a time with the chance to let fans guess.
Six days before Halloween, the spooky-themed music video was released alongside the track. It’s starring Jessica Barden, an actress famous for her role as Alyssa in the Netflix series The End of the F*`ing World. In the video, Conan and Jess are on the mission to fight off Jess' ex-boyfriends, maniacs, who have risen from the grave.
Maniac
Conan Gray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You were with your friends, partying
When the alcohol kicked in
Said you wanted me dead
So, you show up at my home, all alone
With a shovel and a rose
Do you think I'm a joke?
'Cause people like you always want back what they can't have
But I'm past that and you know that
So you should turn back to your rat pack, tell 'em I'm trash
Tell all of your friends that I'm crazy and drive you mad
That I'm such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath
Then tell them you hate me and dated me just for laughs
So, why do you call me and tell me you want me back?
You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say)
You just went too far
Wrecked your car, called me crying in the dark
Now you're breakin' my heart
So, I show up at your place right away
Wipe the tears off of your face
While you beg me to stay
Well, people like you always want back what they can't have
But I'm past that and you know that
So you should turn back to your rat pack, tell 'em I'm trash
Tell all of your friends that I'm crazy and drive you mad
That I'm such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath
Then tell them you hate me and dated me just for laughs
So, why do you call me and tell me you want me back?
You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say)
Psychopathic, don't be so dramatic
We had magic, but you made it tragic
Now you're manic, honestly, I've had it
Listen to yourself, think you need to get some help
Tell all of your friends that I'm crazy and drive you mad
That I'm such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath
Then tell them you hate me and dated me just for laughs
So, why do you call me and tell me you want me back?
You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Maniac, someone said that I'm)
In Conan Gray's song "Maniac," the singer is addressing a former lover who has become obsessed with them after the end of their relationship. The first verse describes how the ex came to the singer's house with a shovel and a rose, threatening their life. They mention that they are not interested in rekindling the relationship, but their ex continues to call them and express a desire to get back together. In the chorus, the singer calls the ex a "maniac," saying they are crazy and "drive [them] mad." They urge the ex to seek help for their behavior.
The second verse shows the singer being more sympathetic towards the ex, as they come to their place to console them after a car accident. However, the ex's behavior continues to be erratic and possessive, and the singer is left with no choice but to distance themselves further. The bridge addresses the ex directly, saying they need help and that they ruined the magic they once had together. In the final chorus, the singer repeats the word "maniac" in disbelief at the ex's behavior.
Overall, "Maniac" is a reflection on the dangerous and toxic aspects of relationships, where one person becomes obsessed with another and refuses to let go. The song highlights the importance of setting boundaries and ending relationships that are not healthy or sustainable.
Line by Line Meaning
You were with your friends, partying
You were out with your friends, having a good time
When the alcohol kicked in
When you started drinking and getting drunk
Said you wanted me dead
You said that you wished I would die
So, you show up at my home, all alone
You came to my house by yourself
With a shovel and a rose
You brought a shovel and a rose with you
Do you think I'm a joke?
Do you think it's funny to threaten my life?
'Cause people like you always want back what they can't have
People like you always want what they can't have
But I'm past that and you know that
But I've moved on from you and you're aware of that
So you should turn back to your rat pack, tell 'em I'm trash
You should go back to your friends and tell them that I'm worthless
Tell all of your friends that I'm crazy and drive you mad
Spread lies to your friends that I'm insane and causing you problems
That I'm such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath
Say that I'm obsessed with you and have a mental disorder
Then tell them you hate me and dated me just for laughs
Then say that you hate me and only dated me to make fun of me
So, why do you call me and tell me you want me back?
So, why do you continue to contact me and say that you want to be with me again?
You maniac
You are crazy
(Maniac, some may say) You maniac
(Some people might call you a) crazy person
You just went too far
You crossed a line
Wrecked your car, called me crying in the dark
You got into a car accident and called me crying late at night
Now you're breakin' my heart
Now you're hurting me emotionally
So, I show up at your place right away
So, I came to your house immediately
Wipe the tears off of your face
I wiped away your tears
While you beg me to stay
While you begged me not to leave
Psychopathic, don't be so dramatic
You're acting crazy, don't be so over-the-top
We had magic, but you made it tragic
We had something special, but you ruined it
Now you're manic, honestly, I've had it
Now you're acting manic and I've had enough
Listen to yourself, think you need to get some help
Listen to how you're acting and realize that you need help
Maniac, someone said that I'm
Crazy, someone said that I am
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Conan Gray, Daniel Nigro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ayo5632
"cries in the shower"
"just wants a hug"
I feel attacked
@Lissarawr.-.
tala rightt
@ceci_sph
Same
@ant5489
Yeahh
@jemerpanuelo5743
Økonomisk 9
@charliepease9288
Fr tho 💀🤣
@mondayisdead
jess: THE EXES ARE BACK THEY WANNA KILL ME
conan: *dances around and sings*
@Shvioiii
Lol
@ducklingreads
big gay energy
@mondayisdead
sreya nagarik me