Death Wish Lyrics Meaning
Before exploring the meaning of English song “Death Wish” by “Gracie Abrams”, it’s important to understand the creative background that shaped it. Written by “Gracie Abrams” and produced by “Aaron Dessner”, the song reflects their signature blend of “Pop”. This song was released on April 1, 2025.
Read: Death Wish Lyrics
Death Wish by Gracie Abrams, explores themes of manipulation, emotional detachment, and power dynamics in a toxic relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who wields control over others, using charm and deceit to maintain dominance. The artist slowly realizes the extent of the deception and struggles with the emotional aftermath. The song blends poetic metaphors with raw emotion, making it a compelling reflection on betrayal and self-discovery.
[Verse 1]
The opening lines introduce the subject as someone obsessed with control and status. Phrases like “time machine” and “power trips and diamond rings” suggest that this person is fixated on reliving the past and asserting dominance. The “walls built on teenage dreams” imply that their ambitions or manipulative tendencies began at a young age, shaping their interactions with others.
The line “Your words to kill are evergreen” indicates that their harmful words remain potent and effective over time. The artist questions their emotional detachment: “So you must not feel anything at all.” This implies that the person they are addressing seems immune to guilt or remorse.
The verse ends with the question “How’d you get so bulletproof?” suggesting frustration with how this individual avoids consequences. They trade time and information for power, always looking for ways to stay in control. The mention of “few girls you keep around” hints at a pattern of using and discarding people, reinforcing their manipulative nature.
[Chorus]
The chorus reveals the artist’s awareness of their own impending heartbreak:
“How will it end? How long will you give me / ‘Til you twist the knife with a smile while you kill me?”
This suggests that the artist knows they will be hurt, but they don’t know when. The imagery of “twisting the knife” with a smile portrays the subject as someone who inflicts pain while maintaining an outward appearance of kindness or charm.
The line “And you ask me to dance if there’s someone around” implies performative affection—this person only treats the artist well when others are watching. The final line, “You don’t look the same when I look at you now,” shows a shift in perception. The narrator no longer sees this person as they once did; their illusions about them have shattered.
[Verse 2]
The second verse deepens the theme of deception. The artist describes being haunted by this person, suggesting lingering emotional damage. “I fell for your faux fantasy” acknowledges that they were deceived by an illusion.
The metaphor “You poured the wine, there’s poison in it” is especially powerful. It suggests that the subject offered something appealing (love, affection, attention) but laced it with toxicity. “Disregard my disposition” implies that the subject dismisses the narrator’s feelings or concerns.
The next lines hint at the subject’s instability: “Truth is in the subtle things / Your eggshell floor is splintering now.” This means that their carefully constructed image is starting to break apart. The narrator sees cracks in their façade, revealing the truth beneath.
The line “It freaks me out I’m old enough / To know you as a gateway drug” is particularly striking. It suggests that the subject was someone who introduced the artist to unhealthy patterns, much like a gateway drug leads to deeper issues. The narrator recognizes that this relationship was damaging but influential.
The verse continues with:
“You’re everything I’ll never be / You live to look for enemies.”
This conveys a sense of contrast—the subject thrives on conflict, whereas the artist does not. It also implies envy or relief; the artist acknowledges that they could never behave in such a ruthless manner. The idea that this person is constantly searching for enemies reinforces their toxic nature.
The verse ends with a powerful image:
“Could leave you with an empty house.”
This suggests that despite their manipulative ways, the subject may end up alone. Their actions might drive people away, leaving them isolated in the end.
[Chorus]
The second chorus repeats but adds new depth. The artist still wonders “How will it end?” but now frames the subject as destructive, comparing them to “a light of a million suns” that burns through people, cities, and bridges. This portrays them as someone who leaves a trail of destruction in their wake.
The phrase “A breath of your air is a death wish” is a poetic way of saying that even being around this person is dangerous. The artist acknowledges their power but also implies that being close to them is suffocating and harmful.
[Outro]
The outro is simple but poignant:
“Oh, look at you now / Well, look at you / Look at you.”
Here, the artist turns the focus back on the subject. It can be read as a moment of finality, as if they are observing the person with newfound clarity. This repetition could indicate disappointment, pity, or even a sense of closure.
Death Wish (MV)
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