Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” isn’t just a song — it’s an anthem for anyone who has ever tried to drown pain in unhealthy coping mechanisms. The track, from her 2013 EP Truth Serum and later her debut album Queen of the Clouds, became a global hit for its raw honesty about heartbreak, loneliness, and the desperate search for escape.
But here’s the truth: you can’t stay high forever. The song captures the moment when you’re clinging to anything — alcohol, drugs, reckless nights — to avoid feeling the wound. The real message? That phase doesn’t have to be your forever. You can swap those destructive habits for something that actually builds you up.
In this article, we’ll break down the complete lyrics to “Habits (Stay High)”, explore the deeper meaning behind the words, and — because the theme of “habits” is central — show you how to replace numbing routines with powerful, health‑building ones. Yes, that includes choosing a quality protein powder like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Double Rich Chocolate to fuel your body while you rebuild your mind.
Let’s dive into the lyrics and the transformation they can spark.
Table of Contents
Complete Lyrics to “Habits (Stay High)”
Below are the full, official lyrics as written and performed by Tove Lo. We’ve kept the line breaks true to the original song.
Intro
(Ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh)
Verse 1
I eat my dinner in my bathtub
Then I go to sex clubs
Watching freaky people gettin' it on
It doesn't make me nervous
If anything, I'm restless
I've been around and I've seen it all
I get home, I got the munchies
Binge on all my Twinkies
Throw up in the tub, then I go to sleep
And I drank up all the money
That I saved from my last week
But you know what? I love it
Pre-Chorus
'Cause the high ain't forever
But the low comes to get you
And I know I'm the worst for you
But I can't help myself
I wanna stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
Chorus
Stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Verse 2
I spend my money on the finest women
And the finest men, I'm livin' out my fantasy
I buy my clothes online, I'm a disaster
But I'm happy 'cause I'm free
I see the neon lights, they hypnotize me
And I'm feelin' like I'm someone else
My dirty little secret keeps me company
I won't tell no one else
Pre-Chorus
'Cause the high ain't forever
But the low comes to get you
And I know I'm the worst for you
But I can't help myself
I wanna stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
Chorus
Stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Bridge
I, I, I, I, I
I wanna stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
Outro
(Ooh, ooh)
(Ooh, ooh)
Stay high all the time
Gotta stay high all the time to keep you off my mind
(Ooh, ooh) To keep you off my mind
(Ooh, ooh) To keep you off my mind
The Deeper Meaning Behind “Habits (Stay High)”
Tove Lo has openly described this song as a reflection on her own struggles with love, addiction, and the need to escape emotional pain. The lyrics are brutally honest about the lengths we go to when we don’t want to face reality.
Heartbreak and the Desire for Numbness
The song begins with a scene of isolation: eating dinner in the bathtub, going to sex clubs, bingeing on junk food, and throwing up. These are classic signs of a person trying to fill a void with temporary pleasures. The phrase “I drink up all the money that I saved from my last week” reveals a cycle of self‑destruction — using every resource to stay ahead of the pain.
The chorus is the core: “Stay high all the time to keep you off my mind.” That “you” is the ex‑lover who broke her heart. The high — whether from substances, reckless sex, or compulsive behavior — is a shield. But Tove Lo knows it won’t last: “The high ain’t forever, but the low comes to get you.”
The Escapism Trap
This is a universal theme. When we lose someone important, our brain craves dopamine hits to compensate. Many people turn to alcohol, drugs, overeating, or even toxic relationships. The song doesn’t glorify this; it portrays it as a desperate, lonely loop.
For deeper exploration of the emotional layers, read our article on The Meaning Behind 'Habits' Lyrics: Decoding Tove Lo's Emotional Song.
Why “Stay High All the Time” Resonates So Strongly
The repetition of the phrase “gotta stay high all the time” mirrors the obsessive, compulsive thought pattern of addiction. It’s not a choice — it feels like a necessity. And that’s where the song becomes a cry for help. It says, “I know this is destroying me, but I can’t stop.”
From Destructive Habits to Constructive Ones
The beauty of art is that it can be a mirror — and a stepping stone. Once you see your own patterns in the lyrics, you can start to change them. Tove Lo’s song isn’t a manual for living; it’s a confession. And after the confession comes the possibility of redemption.
So how do you break the cycle of “stay high all the time” and replace it with habits that actually sustain you?
The Power of Healthy Routines
When you’re heartbroken or struggling, the most powerful thing you can do is anchor yourself to simple, healthy daily actions. Sleep, exercise, nutrition, and social connection are the cornerstones. Instead of reaching for alcohol or junk food, you can reach for a protein shake that nourishes your muscles and your mind.
Protein powder specifically helps in several ways:
- It provides steady energy without the crash of sugar or alcohol.
- It supports recovery from workouts (which release endorphins — natural “highs”).
- It’s a quick, convenient meal when you’re too sad or busy to cook.
- It gives you a sense of control — you’re choosing health over harm.
If you’re ready to build a better “habit,” check out Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Vanilla Ice Cream, 5 Pound — it’s a top‑rated choice that fits right into a high‑performance lifestyle.
How to Interpet the Song as a Call to Action
Many fans interpret “Habits” as a warning. Tove Lo herself has said the song is about “being stuck in the cycle of self‑medication.” The key is realizing that you don’t have to stay stuck. You can recognize the pattern and start making small changes.
For more insight, read our companion piece on How to Interpret the 'Habits' Song Lyrics: Themes of Heartbreak and Escapism?. It dives into the literary devices and psychological undertones that make the song so powerful.
Five Ways to Replace “Staying High” with Lasting Wellness
The lyrics show a person who is using every temporary fix to avoid pain. Here are five concrete ways to flip that script.
1. Swap Alcohol for a Recovery Shake
Alcohol is a depressant that worsens anxiety and disrupts sleep. Instead of a drink, mix up a protein shake using Premier Protein Powder, Chocolate Milkshake — 30g protein, 1g sugar, gluten‑free. It’s a delicious way to hydrate and nourish without regret.
2. Replace Binge‑Eating with Mindful Nutrition
In the song, Tove Lo binges on Twinkies and throws up. That’s a destructive cycle. A better habit is to have a balanced protein smoothie that keeps you full and satisfied. Try Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean — plant‑based, no added sugar, with prebiotic fiber for gut health.
3. Turn Restlessness into Exercise
When you’re “restless” like the narrator, use that energy for a workout. Exercise releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin — natural chemicals that boost mood. After your session, refuel with Dymatize ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder, Vanilla — 25g of hydrolyzed isolate for fast absorption.
4. Create a Self‑Care Protocol Instead of Self‑Medication
The song’s protagonist goes to sex clubs and spends money on “finest women and men” as a fantasy. Healthy self‑care looks different: a warm bath, a good book, a phone call with a friend. And yes, a warm mug of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder supports your skin, hair, nails — and your inner glow.
5. Build a Morning Ritual That Sets the Tone
Instead of waking up already thinking about how to stay high, start your day with intention. Mix a scoop of Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, French Vanilla into your coffee or oatmeal. It’s clean, naturally flavored, and gives you 28g of protein to fuel your morning.
The Science of Habit Replacement
Psychologists call this habit substitution — you keep the same cue (feeling sad, lonely, restless) but replace the old routine (drinking, bingeing) with a new one that provides a similar reward (feeling calmer, energized, satisfied). Protein powder fits perfectly because it’s quick, rewarding, and physically beneficial.
Why Protein Powder Works as a Transition Tool
- Low effort, high reward: A shake takes two minutes but gives you lasting satiety.
- No guilt: Unlike alcohol or junk food, protein builds muscle and supports metabolism.
- Measurable progress: You can track your intake, your workouts, how you feel.
- Social proof: Millions of people use protein powder as part of a healthy lifestyle — you’re not alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Habits (Stay High)”
What is the meaning behind Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)”?
The song describes a person using alcohol, drugs, and reckless behavior to cope with heartbreak. The “high” is a temporary escape from the pain of thinking about an ex‑lover. Tove Lo has said it’s about being stuck in a self‑destructive cycle.
Did Tove Lo write “Habits” about her own life?
Yes, Tove Lo has confirmed that the lyrics are autobiographical. She wrote it during a period of depression after a breakup. She wanted to be honest about the ugliness of that kind of coping.
Why does the song repeat “stay high all the time”?
The repetition mimics the obsessive nature of addiction. When you’re trying to avoid pain, the thought becomes a mantra. It also emphasizes that the person feels they have no other option.
Is “Habits” a sad song or an empowering one?
It’s both. The lyrics are raw and sad, but the act of sharing them — the vulnerability — can be empowering. Many listeners use the song as a way to acknowledge their own struggles and start healing.
How can I use music like this to improve my habits?
First, recognize the emotions the music brings up. Then, instead of staying in that place, write down one healthy action you can take next time you feel the urge to escape. Replace the “high” with a walk, a smoothie, or a call to a friend.
Fuel Your Body, Not Your Bad Habits: Top Protein Powders
Here are the best protein powders to help you build healthier routines. Click any image to see the product on Amazon.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, Double Rich Chocolate – $44.99 – ⭐ 4.6
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, Vanilla Ice Cream, 5lb – $79.99 – ⭐ 4.7
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, Vanilla Ice Cream, 2lb – $44.99 – ⭐ 4.7
Premier Protein, Chocolate Milkshake – $25.97 – ⭐ 4.6
Orgain Organic Vegan, Vanilla Bean – $31.52 – ⭐ 4.5
Dymatize ISO 100, Vanilla – $108.99 – ⭐ 4.7
Premier Protein, Vanilla Milkshake – $31.60 – ⭐ 4.6
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate, French Vanilla – $59.99 – ⭐ 4.5
Body Fortress Super Advanced, Vanilla – $45.28 – ⭐ 4.6
Six Star Whey Protein Plus, Triple Chocolate – $24.97 – ⭐ 4.5
Isopure Zero Carb, Unflavored – $89.95 – ⭐ 4.4
Dymatize Elite 100% Whey, Rich Chocolate – $76.18 – ⭐ 4.6
Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods, Vanilla – $34.15 – ⭐ 4.6
Dymatize x Fruity Pebbles ISO100 – $42.48 – ⭐ 4.6
Dymatize Super Mass Gainer, Gourmet Vanilla – $39.98 – ⭐ 4.5
Levels Grass Fed Whey, Pure Chocolate, 2lb – $44.99 – ⭐ 4.5
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Unflavored – $18.65 – ⭐ 4.6
NAKED Whey Vanilla – $44.99 – ⭐ 4.1
Nutricost Whey Concentrate, Chocolate, 5lb – $74.95 – ⭐ 4.5
Orgain Organic Unflavored Vegan – $26.99 – ⭐ 4.3
Final Thoughts: Turn the Song into Your Turning Point
“Habits (Stay High)” is a raw, beautiful portrait of pain. But you don’t have to live there. The lyrics can serve as a wake‑up call — a reminder that the low always returns, and the only lasting way out is to build upward.
Choose health. Choose growth. Choose a protein shake that fuels your body instead of a drink that numbs it. Start small: swap one bad habit for one good one today. Your future self will thank you.