Released: 2022
At its heart, “I Hate U” by SZA digs into the messy aftermath of a relationship that’s taken its toll. SZA is real about her emotions, walking us through the highs and lows, and settling on a bittersweet note of longing mixed with resentment. It’s a raw, unfiltered expression of feeling used, let down, and clinging to what once was.
The track kicks off with SZA’s frustration with all the contradictions and the emotional wear-and-tear of being with someone who doesn’t value her properly. The line “Treat me like corduroy, wear me out” uses the durable, but often overused fabric as a metaphor for how she’s been treated – resilient, yet worn down over time. The song is a journey through her attempt to reconcile the desire for closeness (“can you come and fuck me?”) with the acknowledgment that the relationship is fundamentally broken. Phrases like “I can’t keep no conflict with you” and “you know you my plug” capture this internal conflict of wanting to smooth things over despite knowing it’s toxic.
As the song progresses, SZA conveys a deep sense of loss, reminiscing on the better times but starkly acknowledging that they’re in the past (“Lost in the lie of us”). This part of the song is her wrestling with what she wishes could be against the harsh reality of what actually is. By the end, the repeated declarations of “And if you wondered if I hate you (I do)” serve as a powerful, emotive climax. This isn’t just simple disdain; it’s a complex cocktail of emotions spurred by betrayal and disappointment. It’s about reaching that point where you wonder if making the other person feel the same agony you’re experiencing would give any solace.
The transition from being “too solid” to someone who’s been scrambled, mishandled, and finally violent towards the relationship speaks volumes. It’s a journey from stability to chaos, sparked by betrayal. SZA’s lyrics about switching positions and not being listened to reflect not just a physical desire for change but also a deeper yearning for mutual respect and understanding that’s conspicaneously absent. The repetition of being “up, baby” portrays the sleepless nights spent overthinking and longing for a resolution that never comes.
From start to finish, “I Hate U” taps into the raw, unpolished side of heartache. SZA doesn’t just share her experience; she invites listeners into the emotional turmoil of trying to let go of someone who still holds a piece of you. Through her lyrical prowess, she paints a vivid picture of the struggle between the head and the heart in the wake of love gone wrong.
