Kill Bill

The emotional journey of 'Kill Bill' initiates with the raw vulnerability of SZA still being a fan of her ex, despite feeling 'salty' about their separation. This salty taste evolves into bitterness as jealousy takes hold—seeing her ex with someone else is unbearable, even if it means his happiness. As the pre-chorus unfolds, a mixture of sarcasm and genuine distress emerges. SZA self-proclaims maturity, but this assertion is laced with irony. Her statement of self-growth through therapy is jarringly contrasted by a possessive longing for her ex and wishing ill on his newfound happiness.

The chorus dives into the heart of the song, where SZA's emotional journey takes a darker turn. Her thoughts escalate to the extremes of 'killing' her ex and his new partner. What we may interpret as a hyperbolic expression of rage, masks a deeper sense of passion and loss. It's a desperate cry, that if she can't be with the one she loves, the thought of any alternative is daunting—even criminal.

As we roll into the second verse, acceptance and denial dance in a melancholic waltz. There's a cognitive dissonance within SZA where she senses the futility in holding on ('a lost cause'), yet the text messages she sends are 'evidence' of her inability to truly let go. Her fantasies spiral out of control, bordering the lines of acting on them. All along, though, she recognizes the absurdity in her thoughts by metaphorically laying out her jealousy-driven plans over a 'beat.'

The bridge then softens the narrative, shifting the emotion to dedication and sobriety. Through these lyrics, she reiterates that her outrageous notions are not fueled by substances, but a sober yet misguided expression of love. The song ends with a chilling chorus that reflects on actions taken and their dire consequences—whether real or imagined—in response to feeling alone. It's a haunting reminder of the extremities of heartbreak and the potent cocktail of emotions that it stirs.