Bad Idea
Jessie Mueller Drew Gehling & Waitress Original Broadway Cast Ensemble Lyrics


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It's a bad idea, me and you
(I know, I totally agree)
It's a bad idea, me and you
I've never known anything so true
It's a terrible idea, me and you

You have a wife
You have a husband
You're my doctor
You've got a baby coming
It's a bad idea, me and you
Let's just keep kissing til we come to

Heart, stop racing
Let's face it, making mistakes like this will make worse what was already pretty bad
Mind, stop running
It's time we just let this thing go
It was a pretty good bad idea, wasn't it though?

It's a bad idea, me and you
It's a bad idea, me and you
Hold me close while I think this through
Yeah, it's a very poor idea, me and you

Heart, stop racing
Let's face it, making mistakes like this will make worse what was already pretty bad
Mind, stop running
It's time we just let this thing go
It was a pretty good bad idea, wasn't it though?

I know it's right for me
It's the only thing I've ever done
What if I never see myself ever be anything more
than what I've already become?
I need a bad idea
I need a bad idea
I need a bad idea
I need a bad idea
Just one

Heart, keep racing
Let's make mistakes
Let us say "so what?" and make worse what was already pretty bad
This secret is safe
No reason to throw it away when there's love to be had
Hold me tight as I tell myself that you might make sense
And make good what has been just so bad
Let's see this through




It's a pretty good bad idea
Me and you

Overall Meaning

The song โ€œBad Ideaโ€ from the musical Waitress revolves around two people who are attracted to each other despite the fact that they both know it's a bad idea. The song opens with back and forth between the two characters as they admit that their connection and actions are a bad idea. They list compelling reasons why their relationship is a bad idea: he is married, she is married, they work in a professional relationship where they both know better than to engage with each other, and they are both moving in different directions in their personal lives. Despite all of these reasons, the two still continue to kiss and indulge in their feelings.


The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a bad idea, me and you,โ€ emphasizing the inescapable fact that this relationship will ultimately bring them nothing but pain. However, the characters also have a difficult time letting go of each other, highlighted by the lines โ€œHold me close while I think this through" and "It was a pretty good bad idea, wasn't it though?" The song reaches a climax as the female lead acknowledges the truth of their situation and notes that it feels right for her. The repetition of "I need a bad idea" demonstrates her desire for something more, even if it's not the right choice. The song concludes with the characters accepting that their relationship is a bad idea but ultimately finding comfort in their love for each other.


Line by Line Meaning

It's a bad idea, me and you
We both know that getting involved with each other is not a good idea.


It's a terrible idea, me and you
Our relationship has the potential to cause a lot of pain and suffering.


You have a wife
Your marital status adds a layer of complexity to our relationship.


You have a husband
My romantic feelings for you could complicate your marriage.


You're my doctor
Starting a romantic relationship with my doctor could compromise my medical care.


You've got a baby coming
Our relationship could negatively impact your growing family.


Let's just keep kissing til we come to
Instead of confronting the problems in our relationship, let's just keep kissing and avoid the issues.


Heart, stop racing
We need to slow down and consider the consequences of our actions.


Mind, stop running
We need to stop making impulsive decisions and think carefully about our next move.


It was a pretty good bad idea, wasn't it though?
Despite the potential consequences, our relationship felt good in the moment.


Hold me close while I think this through
I need your support and comfort as I reflect on our relationship.


I know it's right for me
My feelings for you are intense and genuine, even if they are not logical or practical.


I need a bad idea
I crave the excitement and passion that comes from engaging in risky behavior.


Let's make mistakes
We are willing to take risks in the name of passion and excitement.


This secret is safe
We can trust each other to keep our relationship a secret from the rest of the world.


Hold me tight as I tell myself that you might make sense
Despite the challenges of our relationship, I am still drawn to you and the possibility of a future together.


Let's see this through
We are committed to each other and willing to take whatever risks necessary to make our relationship work.




Contributed by Emma S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@niftythegoblin

Everyone is talking about how they want someone to sing this with, and no one's focusing on the dramatic clapping chorus in the back

@julianeme2659

IT'S MY FAVORITE PART OF THE VIDEO

@valeriaay

OMG๐Ÿ˜‚ That what I was thinking! They're just chilling and watching in the back

@kathellis4775

Bruh idk about other people but Iโ€™d rather be clapping in the ensemble lol

@happybalaga4716

Ye xD

@itamarolmert3549

And doing creepy shipping fankid faces

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@aAryan0309

I love how Jessie says โ€œ youโ€™re my DAWKtorโ€

@annmarie9773

Me too I love her accent so much

@iriskusters4885

It sounds more like dawktUr to me

@stinkerpops

That is how you say โ€œdoctorโ€

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