Maya Hawke's song "Menace" is about recognizing one's own destructive behavior in a relationship and wanting to change it. The lyrics describe the speaker's desire to turn their gaze away from their past mistakes and "regressions" in order to become someone that their partner would adore. The title "Menace" refers to the speaker's previous behavior, which they now realize was harmful and "dangerous." The song also touches on the idea of fleeting love and the fear of not being able to hold onto it forever. The line "Everybody loves a lover" suggests that people enjoy the excitement and passion of a new relationship, but that feeling doesn't always last. The speaker acknowledges that their past behavior was motivated by a desire for attention and love, but now they want to focus on being a better partner and leaving their "painful old news" behind. Overall, "Menace" is a hopeful song about growth and change in a relationship. The speaker recognizes their mistakes and wants to become someone who is worthy of love and admiration.
