He’s good for my heart, but he’s bad for business
Tears me apart when he grants my wishes
All of my friends think I’ve gone crazy
But they don’t know me like my baby (Ba—, ba—, ba—, ba—)
We look good in photographs, I like the way you like to laugh
At dirty jokes, I know they’ll always land
Used to get to work on time, but now you’re taking up my nights
Never been so glad to be so tired
Ooh, I’m mad for you
It’s sad but true and I know it
Ah, you’re on my mind
You stole my life and it’s showin’ (Baby)
He’s good for my heart, but he’s bad for business
Tears me apart when he grants my wishes
All of my friends think I’ve gone crazy
But they don’t know me like my baby
If I’m just writing happy songs, will anybody sing along?
You had to go and break into my head
And I would try to fight these feelings, I can’t find a single reason
I’d make all the same mistakes again, ah
Ooh, I’m mad for you
It’s sad but true and I know it
Ah, you’re on my mind
You stole my life and it’s showin’ (Ba—, ba—, ba—)
He’s good for my heart, but he’s bad for business
Tears me apart when he grants my wishes
All of my friends think I’ve gone crazy
But they don’t know me like my baby
He’s good (Good), it’s bad (Bad)
The best I’ve ever had (Best I’ve ever had)
And he’s so nice, it’s sad (It’s sad)
He ruined all my plans
And he just makes me so crazy
I know everyone sees
That he’ll be the death of me
He’s good for my heart, but he’s bad for business (He’s very bad for business)
Tears me apart when he grants my wishes
All of my friends think I’ve gone crazy
But they don’t know me like my baby
He’s good for my heart, but he’s bad for business (So bad)
Tears me apart when he grants my wishes
All of my friends think I’ve gone crazy
But they don’t know me like my baby
Love’s Double-Edged Sword
In “Bad for Business,” Sabrina Carpenter explores the thrilling yet disruptive nature of a love that’s irresistible but undeniably inconvenient. The chorus reveals an emotional tug-of-war—her partner is “good for [her] heart, but he’s bad for business,” highlighting the conflict between personal happiness and external expectations. Carpenter paints vivid scenes of lost productivity and altered priorities, humorously confessing to being so ‘glad to be so tired’ from nights spent together. The lyrics capture the intoxicating effect of a relationship that others don’t understand, underscoring the idea that true connection often defies logic or practicality.
Embracing Imperfect Happiness
Carpenter’s clever songwriting shines as she juxtaposes the chaos her love interest brings with the undeniable joy he offers. There’s a playful self-awareness in lines about friends thinking she’s lost her mind—she acknowledges their concerns but insists no one knows her partner like she does. The song ultimately celebrates choosing happiness, even when it means embracing a bit of beautiful mess along the way.
Song Credits
Artist: Sabrina Carpenter
Songwriters: Sabrina Carpenter, Steph Jones, Julian Bunetta, Amy Allen
Release Year: 2024