Nightmare

Halsey's 'Nightmare' is a powerful anthem of self-assertion and defiance. The song begins with a dark twist on a children's bedtime prayer, setting a tone of unease and suggesting a confrontation with inner demons. The lyrics then dive into a raw and unapologetic exploration of the artist's personal struggles and the societal expectations placed upon her, particularly as a woman in the public eye.

The chorus 'I've tasted blood and it is sweet' suggests that Halsey has experienced the bitterness of betrayal and hardship, yet finds a certain satisfaction in overcoming these challenges. The imagery of breaking a mirror and picking out a dagger symbolizes self-destructive behavior and the fight to rebuild oneself from the pieces. The repeated demand to 'give us a smile' represents the pressure on women to conform to a pleasant demeanor, regardless of their true feelings. Halsey's response, 'I don't owe you a goddamn thing,' is a fierce declaration of independence and refusal to adhere to such expectations.

The song culminates in a celebration of the self, even if that self is perceived as a 'nightmare.' Halsey embraces her complexities and imperfections, preferring to be 'a real nightmare' than to live in ignorance of her true nature. The repeated affirmation that she loves it when 'they talk shit' indicates a reveling in her ability to provoke and challenge the status quo. 'Nightmare' is a battle cry for authenticity and a refusal to be silenced or molded by societal pressures.