With the 2024 release of their critically acclaimed album The Great Impersonator, Halsey cemented themselves as an artist, unafraid to explore various genres and eras. Their newest single, ‘safeword’ continues this journey, revisiting the sounds of the Riot Grrrl era that was integral to the punk-rock feminism of the ’90s.
‘safeword’ may be Halsey’s boldest single yet. A fearless exploration of sexuality, feminism, and power dynamics, the track is designed to provoke. From the opening riff, its heavy guitar and high-pitched, punchy vocals resemble Le Tigre, channelling the chaotic spirit that made the band iconic.
The opening lyrics immediately set the tone, “Pin me to the floor, swing me by the neck / Locked behind a door, is it time yet? / Don’t be such a bore, give me respect”.
Deliberately inflammatory, the lines use themes of physical restraint and power play, referencing BDSM. Halsey initially portrays themsleves as submissive, but quickly takes control. This contrast, between vulnerability and dominance, drives the track’s deeper commentary on agency and power.
The pre-chorus makes this even clearer: “I’m not a criminal, I’m just a wild child… / Just say the safe word when you’ve had enough”.
Halsey confronts the criminalisation of female sexuality, making their defiance feel especially resonant in an era where women’s bodies have become a political battleground. By taking control, Halsey subverts gender expectations, reclaiming both power and pleasure on their terms.
The chorus is infectious and repetitive, layering taunts over a building beat, before escalating into a full-blown scream. Their raw delivery, and the brash instrumentation, turn the track into a playful mockery of the age-old panic surrounding women’s autonomy. Revelling in their audacity, Halsey is truly uninhibited, and it’s a pleasure to see.
The sonic equivalent of a middle finger, ‘safeword’ directly challenges those who expect Halsey to conform to a sanitised, family-friendly pop image. Throughout their career, she has never given in to this pressure, openly addressing bisexuality, mental health, and reproductive rights.
If the song itself wasn’t bold enough, the music video, directed by Sedition Magazine’s founder, Lana Jay Lackey, purposely blurs the line between art and erotica. Designed to shock, the video pushes mainstream boundaries: Halsey, as always, isn’t afraid to break the rules.
In short, ‘safeword’ cements Halsey’s position as a trailblazer and a rebel, prioritising artistic freedom over criticism. In an industry that has celebrated the perfectly behaved pop star, their unapologetic rage is electrifying.
Directly challenging the status quo, the track is a joyful celebration of dissent. After suffering health setbacks in 2022, Halsey has returned in full force: stronger, bolder and feistier than ever. With their US tour kicking off in May, fans should brace themselves for something new, original and boundary-defying.
Words by Thomas Stanier
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