Bad Habits
FAMILY ROOM - Ed Sheeran Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh
Every time you come around, you know I can't say no
Every time the sun goes down, I let you take control
I can feel the paradise before my world implodes
And tonight had something wonderful
My bad habits lead to late nights ending alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearing this will be the last but it probably won't
I've got nothing left to lose, or use, or do
My bad habits lead to wide eyes staring at space
And I know I lose control of the things that I say
Yeah, I was looking for a way out, now I can't escape
Nothing happens after two
It's true, it's true
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
My bad habits lead to you
Every pure intention ends when the good times start
Falling over everything to reach the first-time spark
It started under neon lights and then it all got dark
I only know how to go too far
My bad habits lead to late nights ending alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearing this will be the last but it probably won't
I've got nothing left to lose, or use, or do
My bad habits lead to wide eyes staring at space
And I know I lose control of the things that I say
Yeah, I was looking for a way out, now I can't escape
It's true, it's true
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
We took the long way 'round
And burned 'til the fun ran out, now
My bad habits lead to late nights ending alone
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Swearing this will be the last but it probably won't
I've got nothing left to lose, or use, or do
My bad habits lead to wide eyes staring at space
And I know I lose control of the things that I say
I was looking for a way out, now I can't escape
Nothing happens after two
It's true, it's true
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
My bad habits lead to you
In Ed Sheeran's song "Bad Habits," the lyrics delve into the struggle of succumbing to destructive behavior and the consequences that result from it. The song opens with the acknowledgment that when a certain person is around, the singer finds it challenging to resist temptation. The allure this person holds is so strong that it feels like paradise, despite the impending chaos it may bring. The reference to the night holding something wonderful suggests a temporary escape from reality that is alluring yet ultimately fleeting.
As the song progresses, it becomes evident that these bad habits lead to a cycle of regret and loneliness. Late nights end in solitude, with the singer engaging in meaningless conversations with strangers and making promises to themselves that they know they won't keep. The feeling of having nothing left to lose or utilize underscores a sense of aimlessness and desperation driving these actions. The wide eyes staring into space symbolize a loss of control and a disconnect from reality, where the singer struggles to contain their impulses and thoughts.
The chorus emphasizes how these bad habits consistently lead the singer back to the person they are irresistibly drawn to. Despite their best intentions, the temptation is overpowering, and they find themselves falling into the same patterns repeatedly. The mention of losing control and seeking an escape highlights the internal struggle between indulging in momentary pleasure and facing the consequences that follow. The line "Nothing happens after two, It's true, it's true" could imply a sense of emptiness or lack of fulfillment despite the temporary highs.
In the final verse, there is a reflection on the journey taken with this person and how it ultimately led to burnout. The singer acknowledges that the pursuit of fun has left them depleted and questioning the choices that brought them to this point. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the cyclical nature of these bad habits and how they continually lead back to the same outcome. Overall, "Bad Habits" delves into the complexities of self-destructive behavior, the allure of temporary escape, and the struggles of breaking free from detrimental patterns in pursuit of a healthier path.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh
An expression of excitement and anticipation.
Every time you come around, you know I can't say no
Your presence is so compelling that I find it impossible to resist the allure of being with you.
Every time the sun goes down, I let you take control
As night falls, I surrender to your influence and allow you to guide our interactions.
I can feel the paradise before my world implodes
I experience moments of bliss that are soon overshadowed by impending chaos in my life.
And tonight had something wonderful
This evening holds the promise of a special and memorable experience.
My bad habits lead to late nights ending alone
My unhealthy behaviors consistently result in me spending solitary nights after engaging in risky activities.
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
I often find myself in deep discussions with people I am unfamiliar with, highlighting my sense of isolation.
Swearing this will be the last but it probably won't
I make promises to myself that I will stop these habits, yet I know I am likely to continue.
I've got nothing left to lose, or use, or do
I feel as though I have exhausted all my options and possess nothing valuable to hold onto.
My bad habits lead to wide eyes staring at space
My reckless choices often leave me in a daze, reflecting my mental state of confusion and aimlessness.
And I know I lose control of the things that I say
I am aware that my reckless actions result in me speaking thoughtlessly, which can lead to misunderstandings.
Yeah, I was looking for a way out, now I can't escape
I initially sought a means to liberate myself from this cycle, but now I find myself trapped.
Nothing happens after two
After a certain point in the night, particularly after two o'clock, important or meaningful events cease to occur.
It's true, it's true
I affirm that this observation is accurate and reflects my reality.
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
Ultimately, my destructive tendencies bring me back to you, reinforcing a connection I find hard to break.
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
Once again, I acknowledge how my poor choices consistently revert to my relationship with you.
Every pure intention ends when the good times start
My best intentions often falter when I immerse myself in enjoyable, yet reckless experiences.
Falling over everything to reach the first-time spark
I recklessly stumble through various situations in pursuit of the initial thrill and excitement of new experiences.
It started under neon lights and then it all got dark
What began as an exhilarating experience in an energetic environment quickly deteriorated into confusion or negativity.
I only know how to go too far
I have developed a pattern of overindulgence and crossing boundaries, unable to temper my actions.
My bad habits lead to late nights ending alone
As before, my self-destructive behaviors repeatedly result in solitary late nights.
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
I often engage in discussions with unfamiliar people, highlighting my loneliness despite being surrounded by others.
Swearing this will be the last but it probably won't
I convince myself that this will be the occasion I finally change, yet I know deep down that it’s unlikely.
I've got nothing left to lose, or use, or do
I feel like I am at a dead end with nothing valuable remaining to gain or hold onto.
My bad habits lead to wide eyes staring at space
These harmful behaviors leave me dazed and disconnected, as I struggle to find clarity.
And I know I lose control of the things that I say
I realize that my reckless lifestyle causes me to speak impulsively, leading to potential regrets.
I was looking for a way out, now I can't escape
In my search for freedom from these unhealthy patterns, I now find myself ensnared within them.
Nothing happens after two
The point of no return arrives after two o'clock, when meaningful interactions dwindle.
It's true, it's true
I acknowledge the harsh truth of this reality I find myself in.
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
Ultimately, despite the pain, my negative patterns continuously draw me back to you.
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
I reiterate how my choices and behaviors ultimately center around you despite their consequences.
We took the long way 'round
Our journey has been convoluted, taking unnecessary detours along the way.
And burned 'til the fun ran out, now
We indulged in our vices until the excitement faded, leaving us in a state of emptiness.
My bad habits lead to late nights ending alone
Reiterating the cycle of self-destructive choices that ultimately result in solitary nights.
Conversations with a stranger I barely know
Once more expressing the theme of engaging with people who are not familiar, highlighting ongoing feelings of isolation.
Swearing this will be the last but it probably won't
Once again promising myself to change, yet realizing the likelihood of failure.
I've got nothing left to lose, or use, or do
Reiterating a sense of hopelessness and the absence of valuable options in my life.
My bad habits lead to wide eyes staring at space
Restating the feeling of numbing confusion that comes from engaging in harmful behaviors.
And I know I lose control of the things that I say
I am conscious of how my reckless tendencies cloud my judgment and expression.
I was looking for a way out, now I can't escape
Re-emphasizing my initial desire for freedom from these habits, which have now entrapped me.
Nothing happens after two
A firm acknowledgment that after two o'clock, the significance of events diminishes.
It's true, it's true
Affirming the reality of my situation as I recognize its truth.
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
In the end, all my destructive choices culminate in my connection with you.
My bad habits lead to you (ooh)
Reiterating the detrimental patterns that consistently bring me back to you.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Christopher Sheeran, Frederick John Philip Gibson, Johnny McDaid
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind