"Bittersweet" by Hayley Kiyoko is a song about the conflicting emotions and confusion that arise in a complicated romantic relationship. The lyrics depict a person who is drawn to someone despite knowing that the relationship is not healthy or fulfilling. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging the physical attraction and charm of the other person. They express a desire to distance themselves from the situation by retreating into a metaphorical forest. However, they are unable to escape their thoughts about the other person's intentions, indicated by the lines "My mind scream voices of what/ Your mind might be thinking of." Despite recognizing that the relationship makes them mad and lacks truth, the narrator still longs for this person. They are torn between what feels right and the confusion created by this person's actions, as shown in the lines "The combination of what's right/ You got me all confused/ Playing tag between us/ I don't know what to do." The chorus emphasizes the desire for honest communication from the other person. The narrator wants them to express what they truly feel rather than keeping them in a state of bittersweet silence. They crave a deeper connection but are unsure of how to navigate the complicated dynamics of their relationship, singing "Say what should be said while I'm here/ With you and not [?]/ So tuck me through your heart/ Not the bittersweet silence you put me in." The bridge touches on the futile nature of superficial conversations, stating that they do not mean anything without true understanding. The narrator longs for a deeper connection and eagerly waits for the other person to reach out to them. The song ends with the repeated chorus lines, emphasizing that despite the frustrations and confusion, the narrator still yearns for this person. The lyrics "Bathing in this dirty sweet sensation" and "This bitter sweet creation" depict the addictive and conflicting nature of the relationship. Overall, "Bittersweet" explores the complexities of a complicated love connection, the desire for honest communication, and the internal struggle between logic and emotions.
