How Bad Do U Want Me Lyrics – Lady Gaga

How Bad Do U Want Me Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
In this verse, the singer talks about how the person she’s addressing is torn between two different sides of attraction. The “good girl” that they dream about is upset because they are falling for the singer instead. The singer is aware that the person wishes the good girl could be like her, but also questions how far the person is willing to go for her. There’s a sense of conflict, as the person doesn’t usually cheat and is afraid the good girl might leave if the singer gets too close.

[Chorus]
The chorus explores the attraction the person has for the singer’s rebellious, “bad girl” qualities. They’re drawn to her rough look, like her hair and ripped jeans, and the daring side of her personality. The singer knows they’re constantly on the person’s mind, even though they are also thinking about the “good girl.” Despite these conflicting feelings, the singer is confident that even the “good boy” is tempted to leave. The person loves the thrill and rush of being with someone like her, and although the “good girl” is in their thoughts, the singer is real and ready to cause a stir. It emphasizes the tension between wanting the rush and dealing with the consequences.

[Verse 2]
In this verse, the singer describes the person’s inner struggle. They feel guilty about their attraction, as shown by their panic and embarrassment when alone. There’s a sense of secrecy and shame, with the person hiding their desire from their friends. But when they’re alone, the truth comes out, and they know exactly what they want with the singer. It portrays the conflict of desire and shame, along with the powerful pull the singer has over them.

[Chorus]
The chorus repeats the idea of the person’s attraction to the singer’s bad girl qualities, from her hair to her ripped jeans. Even though the good girl is always on their mind, the singer has made a permanent mark on them (symbolized by the tattoo), and they’re not afraid to take risks. They want the thrill, even if it means leaving something “safe.” Every time they hear the singer’s name, they feel weak, and the singer promises to make their heart race and their world chaotic. There’s a constant pull of wanting the excitement she brings.

[Bridge]
The bridge highlights the contradiction within the person’s desires. They love the idea of a good girl but are equally attracted to the bad side of the singer, who makes them feel something deeper. The singer calls attention to the fact that the “good girl” in their head isn’t real—perhaps she’s an idealized version or fantasy. The singer challenges them to admit how much they really want her, emphasizing that their desire is intense and real.

[Chorus]
This repeated chorus deepens the person’s fascination with the singer, focusing again on her physical appearance and rebellious attitude. The singer knows the person is torn between the good girl they think about and the real, exciting connection they have with her. She makes their heart weak and brings a rush of emotion that they can’t escape. The singer is ready to make things chaotic, asking how far the person will go to be with her, despite the tension they feel inside.

[Outro]
The outro briefly summarizes the central conflict—the person loves the idea of a good girl but is drawn to the bad girl, the singer. It reinforces the cycle of attraction and frustration, where the person is caught between wanting the stability of a good girl and the thrilling chaos of the bad girl. The “psychotic love theme” alludes to the intense, all-consuming nature of this attraction, and it ends by repeating the question of how badly they want her, leaving the tension unresolved.