Released: 2017
In “Walls Could Talk,” Halsey sheds light on a tumultuous romantic relationship characterized by longing, unresolved feelings, and the elaborate dance of denial. The song strikes a chord with its raw depiction of the highs and lows of a chaotic relationship, where the partners are caught in a cycle of attraction and repulsion.
In the opening verse, Halsey hints at the rollercoaster ride of emotions she’s been on with lyrics like “Been about three days and I’m comin’ back, I’m about four minutes from a heart attack, And I think you make me a maniac.” Here, she’s sharing her heightened sense of anxiety and the emotional whirlwind she feels due to the push and pull dynamics in the relationship.
The line “Two years and we in between, But we both been here since we 17, Here we go, fist fight in a limousine” shows the length and turbulence of the relationship. The reference to being “17” may be a nod to their youthful start and naivety, with the ‘limousine’ serving as a metaphor for a glamorous, yet artificial and confined space where their conflicts unfold.
The chorus speaks volumes about the hushed conversations and hidden realities of their love affair. Halsey’s musing, “Damn, if these walls could talk”, implies the shared secrets, unspoken words, and emotional turmoil that only inanimate ‘walls’ have witnessed. With “Shit is crazy, right? I ain’t your baby no more,” she announces her need to disentangle from the toxic cycle.
The second verse, “Been about two weeks since you went away, I’m about halfway through a Cabernet,” highlights her struggle with the breakup, hinting at coping mechanisms such as alcohol. The lines, “Told my new roommate not to let you in, But you’re so damn good with a bobby pin,” suggest the lingering temptation and futile attempts to keep the other party at bay.
Overall, “Walls Could Talk” showcases Halsey’s astute understanding of a complex relationship dynamic. The song gives voice to those who have ever felt entangled in a relationship that was as exhilarating as it was agonizing, shedding light on the unpretty side of love and the difficult decision to leave for one’s well-being.
