Panic Attack Lyrics – Halsey

Panic Attack Lyrics Meaning

[Intro]
The intro features a repetitive laugh, setting a light but slightly uneasy tone that hints at the complexity of emotions to come.

[Verse 1]
In this verse, the singer talks about feeling a heavy sadness that she can’t fully understand. She describes how her body physically holds onto past memories, causing discomfort. The weight of her mistakes is felt in her shoulders, while her anxiety manifests as shaking knees whenever she’s close to someone she likes. It shows a deep connection between her emotional state and physical sensations, illustrating the struggle she faces within herself.

[Pre-Chorus]
Here, the singer expresses concern that the person she’s drawn to might be bad for her. This hints at the tension between attraction and the fear of emotional harm, emphasizing her struggle to navigate her feelings and health.

[Chorus]
In the chorus, she questions whether her feelings are genuine love or just anxiety manifesting as a panic attack. She wonders if having a heavy heart is too burdensome and feels conflicted about her emotions. Despite the uncertainty, she decides to take this person home, highlighting a desire for connection even amidst confusion. The repeated questioning reflects her inner turmoil about the relationship.

[Verse 2]
In this verse, the singer shares a moment of physical vulnerability, feeling anxious to the point of needing medical attention. A simple trip turns into a moment of panic, leading her to think she needs a health check because of how nervous the person makes her. It emphasizes her struggle to distinguish between normal feelings and overwhelming anxiety, illustrating the toll this connection takes on her well-being.

[Pre-Chorus]
This pre-chorus reiterates her earlier concerns about the potential danger this relationship poses to her mental health, reinforcing the idea that her attraction might come with serious risks.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats her uncertainty about whether what she feels is love or just a panic attack. She questions if her emotions are too much to handle while still wanting to connect with this person. The repetition of these questions highlights her confusion and desire for clarity. Despite not having answers, she chooses to take this person home, symbolizing a willingness to pursue the connection despite the emotional risks involved.

[Bridge]
In the bridge, the singer acknowledges her emotional struggles, feeling broken and worn down. She still wants to love but recognizes that her body and mind are keeping score of her pain. This admission of vulnerability reveals her internal conflict and uncertainty about being able to maintain a relationship.

[Chorus]
The final chorus repeats her earlier questions, emphasizing the ongoing confusion between love and anxiety. She cycles through her feelings, questioning if they are manageable or overwhelming. The repetition of “is it love?” underlines her struggle for clarity, showing her longing for connection even while grappling with anxiety. The line about taking the person home suggests a hopeful step forward, despite her fears and doubts about the relationship’s impact on her well-being.