Red flags, red flags (Red flags)
All bad, I mean, real bad (Bad)
Fuckin’ with you and you still mad (Still mad)
She get it done and she work fast (Work fast)
Holdin’ you down, that shit gotta count for somethin’
Go a few rounds, girl, you know I keep it comin’
Say I don’t care, girl, but I can’t feel my stomach
You were mine, but you act like you wasn’t
You held me down, not down enough
And I ran for miles just tryna catch up
We even now, came back from dust
Quit tellin’ me you’re toxic, girl, I still won’t listen
Red flags, red flags
All bad, I mean, real bad
Fuckin’ with you and you still mad (Oh)
She get it done and she work fast (Work)
Red flags, red flags
All bad, I mean, real bad
Fuckin’ with you and you still mad
Outside and I ain’t goin’ back
Yeah, if you ride for me, why would you lie to me?
Said you’ll slide for me, what are you waitin’ on?
We what they hatin’ on, what they tryna be
But you don’t play for keeps, yeah
I should let you win, but I be petty as a bitch
I should let shit go, but it be hard because I’m him
Put that on my kids, you don’t come home, I’m gon’ be sick
You gon’ turn me back from bein’ rich to hittin’ licks
You held me down, not down enough
And I ran for miles just tryna catch up
We even now, came back from dust
Quit tellin’ me you’re toxic, girl, I still won’t listen (Red flags)
Red flags, red flags (Oh-woah)
All bad, I mean, real bad (Real bad)
Fuckin’ with you and you still mad (You still mad)
She get it done and she work fast (Work, oh no)
Red flags, red flags (Red flags)
All bad, I mean, real bad (Really bad)
Fuckin’ with you and you still mad (You still mad at me)
Outside and I ain’t goin’ back
Red flags, red flags
Outside and I ain’t goin’ back
Unpacking Emotional Turmoil in “Red Flags”
In “Red Flags,” Chris Brown dives into the complexity of toxic relationships, exploring the conflicting emotions that arise when love and warning signs collide. The repeated motif of “red flags” serves as a metaphor for the negative patterns he can’t ignore, even as he grapples with lingering feelings. Brown’s raw delivery captures the frustration of feeling unappreciated—he gives his all, yet is met with anger and mistrust. Despite recognizing the toxicity, he admits to ignoring the warning signs, caught in a cycle of passion, resentment, and vulnerability.
The Struggle Between Loyalty and Self-Preservation
The narrative touches on loyalty, self-worth, and pride. Brown acknowledges his partner’s efforts but questions their depth, expressing the exhausting chase to keep the relationship afloat. The lyrics reveal a tug-of-war between wanting to let go and being unable to walk away, showcasing the difficulty of breaking free from a love that’s as damaging as it is addictive. Ultimately, “Red Flags” is a poignant reflection on the challenges of recognizing when enough is enough, even when the heart resists.
Song Credits
- Artist: Chris Brown
- Release Year: 2024