Made plans with me and all your friends
I’m late again, I hate to keep you waiting
Tried to be a gentleman
Got drunk again, before I even made it
Tried to call a car for you
You’re tired of me, I knew you wouldn’t take it
You walked a mile in LouisVuittons
And fucked em up, you know that they’re my favorite
But we dress up and play pretend
Then we act like we’re good again
I do things I can’t defend
And even when you hold it in
Hold it, even though it kills you slowly
Explosions, hidden when we’re in the open
Keep on smiling, until it’s over
Hold it, even though it kills you slowly
Arguments that never end
You’re talkin shit, to spice up conversation
I’m so sick of back and forth
These fights with you are starting to feel contagious
Said that I’m no good for you
Right before we walked into your parents’
Then you put on that smile again
And grabbed my hand, even though you hate it
But we dress up and play pretend
Then we act like we’re good again
I do things I can’t defend
And even when you hold it in
Hold it, even though it kills you slowly
Explosions, hidden when we’re in the open
Keep on smiling, until it’s over
Hold it, even though it kills you slowly
Oh but, but it it, won’t but, I said
You hold on, hopin’ it gon’ stop, but it don’t
Oh but, but it it, won’t but, I said
You hold on, hopin’ it gon’ stop, but it don’t
Hold it, even though it kills you slowly
Explosions, hidden when we’re in the open
Keep on smiling, until it’s over
Hold it, even though it kills you slowly
Oh but, but it it, won’t but, I said
(Hold it, even though it kills you slowly)
You hold on, hopin’ it gon’ stop, but it don’t
Oh but, but it it, won’t but, I said
(Explosions, hidden when we’re in the open)
You hold on, hopin’ it gon’ stop, but it don’t
(Keep on smiling, until it’s over)
Oh but, but it it, won’t but, I said
You hold on, hopin’ it gon’ stop, but it don’t
(Hold it, even though it kills you slowly)
Oh but, but it it, won’t but, I said
You hold on, hopin’ it gon’ stop, but it don’t
Exploring the Pain Behind the Facade
“Kills You Slowly” by The Chainsmokers delves into the emotional turbulence of a relationship that’s on the edge. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two people clinging to the remnants of their bond, masking pain with smiles and pretending all is well. The repeated cycles of arguments, self-destructive habits, and the struggle to maintain appearances suggest a love that hurts as much as it heals. The song captures how partners sometimes hold onto hope, even as it becomes clear that their connection is slowly unraveling. The emotive refrain “hold it, even though it kills you slowly” resonates as a powerful metaphor for enduring emotional pain for the sake of love.
Song Credits
Artist: The Chainsmokers
Release Year: 2019
Songwriters: Andrew Taggart, Emily Warren, Shaun Frank, Jordan Stilwell
Label: Disruptor Records, Columbia Records