Halsey’s anthemic new single “safeword” is a fierce, punk-infused exploration of power, freedom, and self-expression, wrapped in bold, kinky energy.
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Stream: “safeword” – Halsey
Halsey’s new single “safeword” is anything but shy.
It’s a fiery, bold, and unapologetic exploration of power dynamics, sexuality, and self-expression that takes her fans into uncharted territory. After a year that saw her release The Great Impersonator, a record that spanned multiple genres, Halsey is back with a track that taps into something raw and rebellious, embracing punk rock sounds while unmasking a kinkier side in both the music and its accompanying video.
Pin me to the floor,
swing me by the neck
Locked behind a door,
is it time yet? Time yet?
Don’t be such a bore,
give me respect
Are you feelin’ sore?
Are you wet yet? Wet yet?
“safeword” might be short on subtlety, but it more than makes up for it in sheer intensity. The song opens with a punchy, distorted guitar riff that instantly pulls you into its riot grrrl-inspired world.
Halsey’s voice, though still recognizable, is more aggressive here, channeling the punk spirit of Joan Jett and Kathleen Hanna as they delve into an unapologetically wild side. “I’m not a criminal, I’m just a wild child,” they sing with a rasp, laying down the laws of the game. The lyrics are brash, confident, and unflinching – perfectly matching the song’s thumping beat.
“Yes, sir,” “no, sir,” on all fours
Are you ready to get
what you’ve been waiting for?
I’m not a criminal,
I’m just a wild child
I’m not a bad girl,
I just like it wild style
I’m tough, I’m mean, I’m rough
Just say the safe word
when you’ve had enough
Oh, can you take it, baby?
Oh, can you handle it?
Don’t tell me what to do,
I’m not gonna stand for it
Oh, can you take it, baby?
Oh, can you handlе it?
Don’t tell me what to do,
I won’t stand for it
If there’s one thing Halsey has mastered, it’s the ability to blend vulnerability with power, and “safeword” is no exception.
The song thrives on its overt kink references, turning BDSM into a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints. The chorus – “I’m tough, I’m mean, I’m rough / Just say the safe word when you’ve had enough” – offers both an empowerment chant and a moment of pause. A “safe word” in BDSM is meant to signal when things go too far, but here, it’s more than a way to take control of a situation. It’s a reminder that even in the most intense moments, consent and boundaries are always central, making the song’s energy feel both thrilling and responsible.
It’s hard to ignore the subversive nature of “safeword,” which is as much about Halsey’s dominance as it is about their self-exploration. The accompanying music video is just as intense, pushing boundaries further with a storyline that flaunts kink culture in all its leather-clad, high-heeled glory. Directed by Lana Jay Lackey, the video opens with a close-up shot of Halsey in a dominant pose, commanding the screen with sharp, deliberate movements. As the video unfolds, Halsey oscillates between the role of the dominator and the dominated, walking a fine line between vulnerability and control. There are leather outfits, spanking, bondage, and even Halsey stepping on someone’s throat while sporting a pair of sky-high heels. It’s definitely NSFW, but it’s also an artwork that puts kink in the spotlight while celebrating it as a form of liberation.
You’re going down, yeah,
I’m taking you down
We’re goin’ for a ride,
I’m the queen of this town
I got a bad reputation
from the f*ing around
I got a standing ovation
from the others on the playground
While Halsey’s self-assurance is evident in every aspect of the song and video, it’s important to note that “safeword” doesn’t feel gratuitous.
There’s a playfulness beneath the surface, a hint of humor that lightens the heavy themes. Halsey herself leans into the performance with a wink, never letting the dominance come off as overly aggressive or mean-spirited. It’s clear that this isn’t just about pushing buttons or shock value – it’s an exploration of the human experience in all its extremes, showing that pleasure, control, and freedom are complex, layered concepts that deserve to be explored.
“Yes, sir,” “no, sir” on all fours
Are you ready to get
what you’ve been waiting for?
I’m not a criminal,
I’m just a wild child
I’m not a bad girl,
I just like it wild style
I’m tough, I’m mean, I’m rough
Just say the safe word
when you’ve had enough
Halsey’s versatility as a musical artist is on full display serving as a testament to her artistry. While her prior album “The Great Impersonator” saw her experimenting with a broader range of styles, this track feels like a love letter to punk rock’s raw, rebellious spirit. The guitar riff is distorted and gnarly, the percussion crashing with urgency. It’s loud, fast, and unapologetic, calling to mind the riot grrrl movement of the ‘90s, where women in music reclaimed power through defiance. Halsey’s shouty vocals mirror that energy perfectly, making every line feel like an anthem. If this is a response to the polished pop of The Great Impersonator, it’s a thrilling one, taking her into new, exhilarating territory.
Oh, can you take it, baby?
Oh, can you handle it?
I don’t gotta listen to you,
I won’t stand for it
Oh, can you take it, baby?
Oh, can you handle it?
Don’t tell me what to do
I won’t stand for it
Beyond the music and video, “safeword” is an extension of Halsey’s ongoing journey to define themselves on their own terms.
They’ve long been an artist unafraid of embracing the complexities of identity – whether that’s gender, sexuality, or self-image – and this track is no different. It’s about finding the balance between wildness and restraint, dominance and submission, power and vulnerability. Through these polarities, Halsey invites listeners into their world, where nothing is off-limits and everything is negotiable.
It’s no surprise that this song comes as part of the lead-up to Halsey’s upcoming “For My Last Trick” tour, which promises to be a live experience packed with energy, visuals, and a career-spanning setlist. Given the intensity of “safeword,” it’s safe to say that the performances will be nothing short of electrifying. Fans can expect a show that not only celebrates Halsey’s new music but also provides an immersive, multi-sensory journey through the highs and lows of the human experience.
I don’t gotta listen to you
(You’re not the boss of me)
Yes, sir, no, sir,
you’re not the boss of me
In the grand scheme of Halsey’s discography, “safeword” feels like an exciting evolution.
It’s a song that distills the artist’s raw power and confidence, wrapped in a fiery punk package. Halsey has always been an artist who pushes boundaries, but with “safeword,” they’ve managed to do it in a way that feels both subversive and empowering. The song, and its accompanying video, capture the beauty of self-expression – loud, unapologetic, and absolutely unafraid to be real.
This is Halsey at their most daring, and it’s hard not to be captivated by the boldness of it all.
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Stream: “safeword” – Halsey
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© Sarah Pardini
© Sarah Pardini
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