"Bad Habits" by Joan Armatrading is a song that talks about a person who has a series of negative behaviors and tendencies. The song describes this person as someone who swears excessively, drinks excessively, and smokes excessively. They have a habit of chasing after women, regardless of their ethnicity, and they even steal from their own mother. The lyrics suggest that this person is rebellious and does not follow rules, as they walk on grass despite the signs telling them not to. They also make promises they don't intend to keep. The person mentioned in the song even owns a car that they didn't pay for, but the singer explains that despite all their flaws, she still loves them. The song emphasizes the idea that this person's behavior is seen and known by others, particularly by the police who are aware of their actions and whereabouts. The chorus repeats the phrase "bad habits" to emphasize the subject's repeated negative behaviors. Overall, the song portrays a flawed individual with various habits and actions that are frowned upon. Despite these flaws, the singer appears to be understanding and accepting of the person, regardless of their bad habits.
