Inspired by influential bands such as The Cure, The Strokes, and The Killers, HUNNY's music can be described as well-crafted "post-punk tinged pop". Combining elements of new-wave sheen, shoegaze gloom, and angular guitar rock, the band's sound carries a distinct California cool sensibility. Jason Yarger, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, coined the term "sadwave" to characterize HUNNY's genre, with lyrics revolving around their personal experiences growing up and encounters with love and heartbreak.
HUNNY gained early recognition with the release of their self-titled EP, "Pain/ Ache/ Loving," in 2015. This EP garnered millions of streams, thanks to tracks like the hit single "Cry For Me." Throughout their journey, HUNNY has shared close ties with long-time friends The Neighbourhood and Bad Suns. In 2015, they accompanied these bands on a tour across the United States called "#THEFLOOD2015," which coincided with the release of The Neighbourhood's second album.
In 2019, HUNNY signed a record deal with Epitaph Records and released their debut full-length album, "Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes." Produced by GRAMMY-winner Carlos de la Garza (known for his work with Paramore and Best Coast), the album showcased a polished production sheen that received acclaim from music outlets like Alternative Press. The album's blend of perfunctory electronic and new-wave pop, infused with themes of love, heartbreak, and neuroses, further solidified HUNNY's unique sound. As a result, the band embarked on global tours, sharing stages with notable acts such as State Champs, Citizen, and The Story So Far.
Black and White
Hunny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can I bury my head, please?
In a beach from your magazines
That you toss on your floor
If I stay, could we lay
And forget about all this
In your bed, is that selfish?
We're two halves of a broken heart bleeding differently
We come together and I fall apart
I never listen, listen lately
Oooh
Its always black and white
You never listen, listen baby
Oooh
We're like the day and night
You're never satisfied, I wanna feel alive
When we collide
You know we'd love in black and white
I'm afraid, I'm afraid we've been running in circles
And isn't it hurtful
To keep playing this game?
Is there a way to escape looking out of your window
At the moon from your pillow
We were so cliché
We're two halves of a broken heart locked in symmetry
When we're together we're far apart
I never listen, listen lately
Oooh
It's always black and white
You never listen, listen baby
Oooh
We're like the day and night
You're never satisfied, I wanna feel alive
When we collide
You know we'd love in black and white
There was a time
We'd bathe in coloured lights
How did it ever happen?
Where did we go wrong?
Were we slowly fading?
Fading on our own?
I never listen, listen lately
Oooh
It's always black and white
You never listen, listen baby
Oooh
We're like the day and night
You're never satisfied, I wanna feel alive
When we collide
You know we'd love, know we'd love
I never listen, listen lately
Oooh
It's always black and white
You never listen, listen baby
Oooh
We're like the day and night
You're never satisfied, I wanna feel alive
When we collide
You know we'd love in black and white
The song "Black and White" by Hunny is an emotional and introspective piece that explores the complexity of a difficult relationship. The lyrics revolve around the idea that the two individuals involved are like "two halves of a broken heart bleeding differently." The singer of the song seems to be trying to make sense of the relationship and questioning whether they have any hope of finding a way to make it work.
The opening lines set a somber tone, as the singer pleads to "run away" and "bury [their] head" in a beach from magazines. There is a sense of escape and a desire to disconnect from the realities of the relationship. However, the chorus reveals that the heart of the issue is the two individuals' inability to understand each other. The singer feels unheard and unfulfilled, as though they are living in a world of "black and white" while their partner is too focused on their own needs to listen.
The bridge of the song introduces a sense of nostalgia for the past, as the singer remembers "bathing in colored lights" with their partner. However, the question lingers - "where did we go wrong?" - and it seems as though the hope for a resolution to the relationship is slipping away. Despite the difficulties, the singer holds onto the idea that there is still a chance for them to find mutual happiness, even if it is just in fleeting moments.
Line by Line Meaning
Run away, run away
Asking to escape from the situation that is causing pain and discomfort.
Can I bury my head, please?
Wanting to avoid confronting the reality of the situation because it is too painful.
In a beach from your magazines
The desire to escape to a picture-perfect version of reality that is presented in magazines.
That you toss on your floor
Acknowledging that this idealized world is just garbage that is discarded once it no longer serves a purpose.
If I stay, could we lay
Asking if it is possible to ignore the problems and just focus on the physical aspect of the relationship.
And forget about all this
The desire to avoid dealing with the issues and just pretend everything is okay.
In your bed, is that selfish?
Worrying that this request for physical intimacy is an act of selfishness.
If I don't talk anymore
Giving up on trying to communicate and connect with the other person.
We're two halves of a broken heart bleeding differently
Acknowledging that both parties are hurting, but in their own unique ways that are incompatible.
We come together and I fall apart
Acknowledging that trying to hold on to the relationship is causing emotional distress and making things worse.
I never listen, listen lately
Admitting fault for not paying attention to the other person's needs in the past.
It's always black and white
Feeling like the relationship is stuck in an either/or mentality with no room for compromise or understanding.
You never listen, listen baby
Pointing out that the other person is not listening or making an effort to understand.
We're like the day and night
Emphasizing the fundamental differences in personality and values that make it hard to connect.
You're never satisfied, I wanna feel alive
Desiring more than just the same old routine, and wanting to feel passionate and alive in the relationship.
When we collide
Acknowledging that despite the difficulties, the two parties still come together and interact.
You know we'd love in black and white
Recognizing that there is love between them, even if the relationship feels very two-dimensional and unchanging.
I'm afraid, I'm afraid we've been running in circles
Acknowledging that the relationship has been stagnant and not making any progress despite efforts to improve.
And isn't it hurtful
Recognizing the emotional pain that comes from being in a relationship that is not fulfilling.
To keep playing this game?
Questioning the wisdom of putting in more effort to a relationship that feels like it is not working out.
Is there a way to escape looking out of your window
Wishing to find a way out of the situation and to start anew.
At the moon from your pillow
The moon here symbolizes a new beginning and a fresh start.
We were so cliché
Acknowledging that the relationship was built on tired, overused tropes and patterns.
We're two halves of a broken heart locked in symmetry
Emphasizing the perfection of the symmetry in the relationship, despite the fact that it is a broken relationship.
When we're together we're far apart
Realizing that despite being physically present, the two parties are not emotionally connected.
There was a time
Reflecting on the past, when things were better and more colorful.
We'd bathe in coloured lights
Symbolizing the passion and vibrancy of the past, when the relationship was more exciting and fulfilling.
How did it ever happen?
Asking how things could have spiraled so far out of control from those good old days.
Where did we go wrong?
Reflecting on the mistakes that were made and how the relationship deteriorated over time.
Were we slowly fading?
Questioning if it was the slow decay of the relationship as time passed that caused the problems.
Fading on our own?
Worrying if the fading of the relationship was a natural process or was influenced by outside forces.
Writer(s): Adam Oliver Bairstow, Liam David Naylor
Contributed by Violet B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.