"Badway" is a song by Nina Gordon, an American singer-songwriter. The song explores themes of personal struggle, mental health, and the desire for connection. The narrator begins by describing their state as being "pinched," feeling as though they have lost half of their mind and are half-dead. They express the idea that life is not easy, and one must endure pain in order to achieve something worthwhile; hence, the phrase "no pain, no gain." The mention of "a million voices in my brain" indicates the overwhelming thoughts and emotions the narrator is experiencing. The song then compares life to a game of hide and seek, where the narrator counts to ten and everyone else runs away, highlighting a sense of isolation and loneliness. They reveal feeling trapped in a "bad way" and longing for someone to care about them, requesting for someone to "give a damn" on a better day. The mention of purple leather, coat, and sweater suggests that the narrator uses external things, such as clothes, to feel better. However, they imply that even though these items may enhance their appearance, they cannot overcome their current emotional state. The lyrics convey a feeling of being unable to function properly or participate in activities when feeling so low. The phrase "self-made hand grenade" refers to the narrator feeling like they have the potential to cause harm, but they are unable to release their emotions and fully express themselves. They create situations to lure others in, waiting to see if they can connect with someone, but ultimately find themselves overwhelmed and unable to handle the intensity of their emotions. The mention of "peach" and "blue" can be interpreted as seeking comfort or solace in something or someone, and the line "biting more than I can chew" expresses the feeling of taking on more than one can handle. Overall, "Badway" reflects the struggles of the narrator's mental state and their longing for understanding and connection. The song captures the difficulty of expressing oneself and finding solace when feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
