Hard Time
Seinabo Lyrics

Seinabo Sey's song "Hard Time" presents a manifestation of resentment and emotional distress caused by the mistreatment experienced in a romantic relationship that resulted in fissures in the relationship that are irreparable. The lyrics repeat the phrase "Hard time forgiving, even harder forgetting," this repetition emphasizes the complexity of the situation, the betrayals and hurtful actions enacted within the relationship are too substantial to be easily forgiven or forgotten. Sey is holding onto the anger and pain, that lead her to warn her former lover before they make any further mistakes, something they would regret as her experience had taught her the consequences of trust blindly.

The lyrics' third paragraph offers insight into the power dynamic in the relationship, with Sey acknowledging that her partner had taken her for granted, but she had allowed them in with the hope that things would work out better. She pursued her significant other in the relationship more than they were invested, compromising her own boundaries and standards to appease the expectation of the other party. The line "Oh, how sweet this sin," implies that there was a level of hedonism at play that added to the bittersweet aftertaste of the failed relationship. Sey leaves the keys with her partner, trusting that they will take care of her, that they won't hurt her, but they do. And in leaving her words are haunting as she says they "won't let me in." This is significant as it shows that Sey is reluctantly closing the door on what could have been a beautiful story.

Finally, the last verse of the song culminates with Sey's determination to learn from the experience and become a better version of herself, one with shrewd awareness of the scars that a failed relationship brings. She will use the lessons she's learnt to approach future relationships differently and hunt down any shadows in her life that may be slowing her down emotionally. The song emphasizes the importance of self-love and preservation over giving into sentiments of affection that might lead to harm.