The song "Bad News" by Johnny Orlando is about a complicated romantic relationship that is causing the protagonist a great deal of anxiety and inner conflict. The lyrics depict the struggles of trying to let go of someone despite knowing that they are not good for them. The protagonist admits that they have changed their mind about the relationship, but their heart remains unchanged, creating a difficult situation. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is aware that they are "bad news" for their partner and that they are not good for them. They acknowledge that they had hoped to be the right person for their partner, but they come to the realization that they are not fooling anyone, including themselves. The sad truth is that their love is complicated and not meant to be. The song touches upon the power of hurtful words and the internal battle of pushing emotions down to avoid confrontation. The protagonist regrets not speaking their truth earlier and now finds it too late to apologize. Despite their efforts to let go and move on, they express their struggle in trying to convey their feelings and set their partner free. Throughout the song, the repetitive chorus emphasizes the theme of being "bad news." It acknowledges that the truth is sad and that the protagonist thought they knew how to love but realizes they were always destined to run away from commitment. Overall, "Bad News" conveys a sense of emotional turmoil, conflicted feelings, and the difficult process of accepting and letting go of a toxic relationship.
