"Cold Heart Killer" by Lia Marie Johnson is a song about a toxic relationship where the narrator realizes they need to break free from the grip of a person who is emotionally harmful to them. The lyrics depict the narrator's struggle to let go of this person, constantly reminding themselves that they don't need them anymore. The song captures the conflicting emotions of longing for someone who is no longer good for them, while also recognizing the danger and negative impact that person brings into their life. The phrase "Another night in yellow light, hearing people stumble home" suggests a melancholic atmosphere, possibly symbolizing a state of loneliness or emptiness that the narrator experiences. The mention of being tired of wondering if the person is alone implies a sense of insecurity and suspicion in the relationship. The friends of the narrator warn them about the cold-hearted nature of this person, labeling them as a "cold heart killer." They describe them as smooth and dangerous, indicating their ability to manipulate and cause emotional harm. Despite these warnings, however, the narrator initially gets too close to this person, realizing later that they should have known better. Throughout the song, the narrator continuously reminds themselves that they don't need this person anymore, emphasizing their determination to break free from their toxic hold. The repetition of the phrase "I'm telling myself, keep telling myself, I don't need you anymore" indicates the internal struggle and the constant battle of convincing oneself to move on. The line "It's like every time you're out of mind, somehow you creep in my head" showcases the difficulty of completely letting go and how the past memories and emotions continue to resurface. The narrator catches themselves thinking about their past relationship, reflecting on the moments they shared, which implies a struggle to move on. Overall, "Cold Heart Killer" delves into the turmoil of a toxic relationship, highlighting the narrator's realization of the need to break free and the internal conflict they face in trying to move on from a person who brings them emotional harm.
