Manic Analysis- "Still Learning"

I thought the same about the 'meds' part! As someone on bipolar medication at the moment, it is crucial to take it every day at exactly the same time (at least for the ones I have), and of course not suddenly stopping. Them referring to 'what I'm on' sounds stressful because I know how often people with bipolar disorder are during mania when it comes to 'going off their meds'.

I love this!

English Teacher KP

I’m so excited for 929, my fav Halsey song of All time. And so excited for hopeless fountain kingdom reactions! A reminder that the Halsey song “I’m Not Mad” is on the deluxe version and it’s my second fav song and you should totally give it a listen on your own sometime since we’re just reaction to the standard version. The deluxe has some really great extra songs on it that you might enjoy🥰

Nikki S

From the Halsey manic Apple interview with Zane Lowe: “still learning is the first song that is so self aware that it’s a famous person is singing it. It was my reality but it’s not anymore. I want my fans to know that being an artist is a paradox of being so insecure and so arrogant. You’re insecure enough to need validation from people and that’s why you’re putting yourself out there but arrogant enough to think you’re gonna get it.”

Nikki S

One of my favorite lyrics of Halseys is “should be livin the dream, but I go home and I got no self esteem (nope) you think I’m swimmin in green but it’s passed around my family tree. No man wants to really commit. Intimidated cause I get paid and shit” like the whole verse is everything to me haha! I love to sing this one in the car. I love the way H’s voice sounds on this track. ❤️

Nikki S

Love this take! I’m also someone on antidepressants and also have meds for chronic illness like Halsey also has too so that’s a really interesting take on it!

Nikki S

I love this!

Nikki S

This song always hits hard. In the chorus I think the “what I’m on” part as related to meds. I don’t know if it makes sense but as someone who has taken a number of meds to be able to put myself together both mentally and physically I think about that a lot. When people just look at us going about our days and routines they may not be aware of what is behind that. Halsey has talked a lot about her health condition and how what she discloses publicly is just a part of it. Also, the lip reading part makes me think of the media? You know how paparazzis will post pictures of people all the time and try to spill some tea on what they were doing or saying. I have loved seeing your analyses on this album! Thank you so much for your wonderful work.

Ingrid Veiga

I can see this, too. I thought a lot about the root system of trees. Like trees are ultimately connected through an intricate system of roots. They share an environment and even nutrients. Our speaker obviously feels connected to her "family tree," but there also seems to be an obligatory sharing of "nutrients". I can see how this could be very stressful.

English Teacher KP

It also makes me think, ok trees grow, so the amount of people she is deemed responsible for helping because they're family is also growing .

Moriah

I forgot about collection plates, but OMG-- you're exactly right!

English Teacher KP

"You think I'm swimming in green, but it's passed around my family tree" it reminds me of a church collection plate- halsey has never been one to shy away from religious imagery, this might not be intentional but it's so casual sounding and on multiple levels. The tree imagery I could go on about forever.

Moriah

OMG, I didn't even notice they were flipped! I think I can fix that! Thanks for letting me know!

English Teacher KP

Interesting! Can't wait!

English Teacher KP

I love this! It is absolutely so impactful, and I agree-- I think the unspoken object of the preposition is, "Everything"!

English Teacher KP

THIS. Exactly. It’s like, “I’m sorry for… everything.” But what is everything? How to even begin describing it, explaining it? So it’s just, “I’m sorry… I love you, and I’m still trying to love me too.”

This was rad, and I can’t wait to watch you cover Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, as well, especially with the Romeo and Juliet inspiration! To me, the part where they say “To all my friends, I'm sorry for” and trail off makes me think of moments where you have so much to say that it all bunches up behind your tongue, and you can’t quite find words for all of it—like, she wants to apologize, but doesn’t even know where to start.

Em

I love this album so much, and have had so much fun seeing you react to it. 929 is one of my favorite tracks from her, ever, and she's said it came together as a stream-of-consciousness freestyle when she was in the booth, so prepare yourself for some off the cuff direction changes when you listen!

Amanda M.

analysing this album with you has been so fun, it's my favourite halsey album. unfortunately the entire era got cut short by their label and probably covid too so i've really enjoyed getting into it again with these videos. the last song on this album is so special to me and definitely a fan favourite. she said that "929" and "more" were the songs she was most scared to share, probably because they're both quite vulnerable. btw why has the lyric videos been flipped the past couple videos haha xx

j

Enjoy!

English Teacher KP

first one

Rafael Gunji