Halsey’s anthemic new single “safeword” is a fierce, punk-infused exploration of energy, freedom, and self-expression, wrapped in daring, kinky vitality.
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Stream: “safeword” – Halsey
Halsey’s new single “safeword” is something however shy.
It’s a fiery, daring, and unapologetic exploration of energy dynamics, sexuality, and self-expression that takes her followers into uncharted territory. After a yr that noticed her launch The Nice Impersonator, a file that spanned a number of genres, Halsey is again with a observe that faucets into one thing uncooked and rebellious, embracing punk rock sounds whereas unmasking a kinkier facet in each the music and its accompanying video.
Pin me to the ground,
swing me by the neck
Locked behind a door,
is it time but? Time but?
Don’t be such a bore,
give me respect
Are you feelin’ sore?
Are you moist but? Moist but?
“safeword” could be quick on subtlety, however it greater than makes up for it in sheer depth. The track opens with a punchy, distorted guitar riff that immediately pulls you into its riot grrrl-inspired world.
Halsey’s voice, although nonetheless recognizable, is extra aggressive right here, channeling the punk spirit of Joan Jett and Kathleen Hanna as they delve into an unapologetically wild facet. “I’m not a felony, I’m only a wild baby,” they sing with a rasp, laying down the legal guidelines of the sport. The lyrics are brash, assured, and unflinching – completely matching the track’s thumping beat.
“Sure, sir,” “no, sir,” on all fours
Are you able to get
what you’ve been ready for?
I’m not a felony,
I’m only a wild baby
I’m not a nasty lady,
I identical to it wild fashion
I’m powerful, I’m imply, I’m tough
Simply say the secure phrase
whenever you’ve had sufficient
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to deal with it?
Don’t inform me what to do,
I’m not gonna stand for it
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to handlе it?
Don’t inform me what to do,
I gained’t stand for it
If there’s one factor Halsey has mastered, it’s the power to mix vulnerability with energy, and “safeword” isn’t any exception.
The track thrives on its overt kink references, turning BDSM right into a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints. The refrain – “I’m powerful, I’m imply, I’m tough / Simply say the secure phrase whenever you’ve had sufficient” – affords each an empowerment chant and a second of pause. A “secure phrase” in BDSM is supposed to sign when issues go too far, however right here, it’s greater than a strategy to take management of a scenario. It’s a reminder that even in essentially the most intense moments, consent and bounds are all the time central, making the track’s vitality really feel each thrilling and accountable.
It’s onerous to disregard the subversive nature of “safeword,” which is as a lot about Halsey’s dominance as it’s about their self-exploration. The accompanying music video is simply as intense, pushing boundaries additional with a storyline that flaunts kink tradition in all its leather-clad, high-heeled glory. Directed by Lana Jay Lackey, the video opens with a close-up shot of Halsey in a dominant pose, commanding the display screen with sharp, deliberate actions. Because the video unfolds, Halsey oscillates between the position of the dominator and the dominated, strolling a high quality line between vulnerability and management. There are leather-based outfits, spanking, bondage, and even Halsey stepping on somebody’s throat whereas sporting a pair of sky-high heels. It’s positively NSFW, however it’s additionally an paintings that places kink within the highlight whereas celebrating it as a type of liberation.
You’re happening, yeah,
I’m taking you down
We’re goin’ for a trip,
I’m the queen of this city
I acquired a nasty fame
from the f*ing round
I acquired a standing ovation
from the others on the playground
Whereas Halsey’s self-assurance is obvious in each facet of the track and video, it’s essential to notice that “safeword” doesn’t really feel gratuitous.
There’s a playfulness beneath the floor, a touch of humor that lightens the heavy themes. Halsey herself leans into the efficiency with a wink, by no means letting the dominance come off as overly aggressive or mean-spirited. It’s clear that this isn’t nearly pushing buttons or shock worth – it’s an exploration of the human expertise in all its extremes, displaying that pleasure, management, and freedom are complicated, layered ideas that should be explored.
“Sure, sir,” “no, sir” on all fours
Are you able to get
what you’ve been ready for?
I’m not a felony,
I’m only a wild baby
I’m not a nasty lady,
I identical to it wild fashion
I’m powerful, I’m imply, I’m tough
Simply say the secure phrase
whenever you’ve had sufficient
Halsey’s versatility as a musical artist is on full show serving as a testomony to her artistry. Whereas her prior album “The Nice Impersonator” noticed her experimenting with a broader vary of kinds, this observe seems like a love letter to punk rock’s uncooked, rebellious spirit. The guitar riff is distorted and gnarly, the percussion crashing with urgency. It’s loud, quick, and unapologetic, calling to thoughts the riot grrrl motion of the ‘90s, the place ladies in music reclaimed energy by defiance. Halsey’s shouty vocals mirror that vitality completely, making each line really feel like an anthem. If it is a response to the polished pop of The Nice Impersonator, it’s an exciting one, taking her into new, exhilarating territory.
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to deal with it?
I don’t gotta take heed to you,
I gained’t stand for it
Oh, can you are taking it, child?
Oh, are you able to deal with it?
Don’t inform me what to do
I gained’t stand for it
Past the music and video, “safeword” is an extension of Halsey’s ongoing journey to outline themselves on their very own phrases.
They’ve lengthy been an artist unafraid of embracing the complexities of identification – whether or not that’s gender, sexuality, or self-image – and this observe isn’t any totally different. It’s about discovering the steadiness between wildness and restraint, dominance and submission, energy and vulnerability. By way of these polarities, Halsey invitations listeners into their world, the place nothing is off-limits and all the things is negotiable.
It’s no shock that this track comes as a part of the lead-up to Halsey’s upcoming “For My Final Trick” tour, which guarantees to be a reside expertise filled with vitality, visuals, and a career-spanning setlist. Given the depth of “safeword,” it’s secure to say that the performances will probably be nothing wanting electrifying. Followers can count on a present that not solely celebrates Halsey’s new music but in addition offers an immersive, multi-sensory journey by the highs and lows of the human expertise.
I don’t gotta take heed to you
(You’re not the boss of me)
Sure, sir, no, sir,
you’re not the boss of me
Within the grand scheme of Halsey’s discography, “safeword” seems like an thrilling evolution.
It’s a track that distills the artist’s uncooked energy and confidence, wrapped in a fiery punk bundle. Halsey has all the time been an artist who pushes boundaries, however with “safeword,” they’ve managed to do it in a approach that feels each subversive and empowering. The track, and its accompanying video, seize the fantastic thing about self-expression – loud, unapologetic, and completely unafraid to be actual.
That is Halsey at their most daring, and it’s onerous to not be captivated by the boldness of all of it.
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Stream: “safeword” – Halsey
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© Sarah Pardini
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