Some songs arrive in your life and refuse to leave. They don’t just play in the background—they burrow into your bones, become the soundtrack to your late-night thoughts, and somehow put words to feelings you couldn’t name. Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” is one of those songs. What began as a raw, unpolished confession from a Swedish songwriter turned into a global anthem that still resonates with millions.
But how did a track built on vulnerability become a pop phenomenon? And what can we learn from its journey about turning personal struggles into something bigger than ourselves? Let’s dive into the origin, meaning, and lasting impact of this modern classic.
Table of Contents
The Birth of a Bitter-Sweet Confession
Tove Lo (born Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson) wrote “Habits” during one of the darkest periods of her life. After a painful breakup, she turned to partying, drinking, and reckless behavior as a way to numb the ache. The song’s opening lines—“I eat my dinner in my bathtub / Then I go to sex clubs”—weren’t shock-value lyrics. They were honest snapshots of a person trying to fill an emotional void with external chaos.
The song was co-produced with Ludvig Söderberg and Jakob Jerlström. Originally, it was a stripped-down, lo-fi demo. Tove Lo has said she never expected it to become a hit. But there was something in its unfiltered honesty that connected immediately. Listeners didn’t hear a pop star performing—they heard a friend confessing her worst habits.
In the same way that building better habits requires brutal self-awareness, Tove Lo’s song came from a place of radical honesty. She didn’t gloss over the mess. She sang about it. And that authenticity became the song’s superpower.
Lyrics That Cut Through the Noise
Let’s break down the opening verse:
“You're gone and I gotta stay high all the time / To keep you off my mind”
This isn’t a metaphor. It’s a survival mechanism. The narrator is using substances and reckless behavior to avoid confronting grief. The chorus repeats the same desperate logic: staying high is the only way to function.
But what makes the lyrics unforgettable is the contrast. The verses describe absurd, almost funny scenarios—eating in the bathtub, watching reruns of “Glee”—but the pain underneath is real. It’s the humor of someone who knows they’re spiraling but can’t stop.
The song became an anthem for anyone who has ever used temporary escapes to manage deep emotional wounds. It validates that feeling without glorifying it. That nuance is rare in pop music—and it’s why “Habits” still holds up.
For a deeper look at the lyrics and inspiration behind every line, check out The Story Behind Tove Lo's 'Habits (Stay High)' – Lyrics, Meaning, and Inspiration.
The Music Video: Visual Storytelling at Its Finest
The official music video for “Habits” is a masterpiece of symbolism. Directed by Motel 666, it follows a wild night out: Tove Lo in a bathtub, at a strip club, on the street vomiting. It’s messy, raw, and unflinching.
The video uses a split-screen effect that shows two versions of the same night—one dark, one neon-lit. This visualises the internal conflict: the fun vs. the emptiness. The dance circles, the mannequins, the discarded clothes—all reinforce the theme of chasing highs to avoid facing lows.
You can explore the video’s hidden meanings and how it amplifies the song’s emotional weight in Analyzing the Music Video for Tove Lo's 'Habits': Symbolism and Visual Storytelling.
How a Demo Became a Global Hit
“Habits” was released in 2013 as part of Tove Lo’s debut EP Truth Serum. Initially, it didn’t chart. But then a remix by the hip-hop producer Hippie Sabotage (the “Stay High” remix) went viral on SoundCloud and YouTube. The remix added a trap-influenced beat that broadened the song’s appeal.
Suddenly, millions of new listeners discovered the original. By 2014, the song had peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 10 in over 20 countries. It has since been certified multi-platinum worldwide.
What’s remarkable is that the song never relied on a big-budget marketing push. It grew organically because people shared it. They saw themselves in it. That kind of word-of-mouth is the holy grail of any creative work.
The Power of Vulnerability in Pop Culture
Before “Habits,” pop stars rarely admitted to ugly coping mechanisms. Taylor Swift wrote about exes but not about binge-drinking to forget them. Tove Lo broke that mold. She showed that vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the most relatable thing there is.
This shift paved the way for later artists like Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and others who explore mental health openly. “Habits” didn’t just top charts; it changed what was acceptable to say in a pop song.
Habit Formation: What Can We Learn?
The song’s title is “Habits,” and it’s about the destructive ones. But as Success Guardian readers know, habits are neutral—they can either break us or build us. The key is to replace a bad habit with a good one, not just eliminate it.
Tove Lo’s character in the song tries to escape pain with bad habits. A healthier approach would be to replace the escape with something sustainable—like exercise, creative expression, or even proper nutrition.
Speaking of sustainable habits, fueling your body well is essential for mental clarity. Just as Tove Lo’s anthem turned a personal struggle into a global phenomenon, the right fuel—like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder—can transform your daily habits from chaotic to consistent.
Why "Habits" Still Resonates a Decade Later
Since its release, “Habits” has been streamed over 1.5 billion times. Its legacy goes beyond numbers. The song has been covered by dozens of artists, used in TV shows like Riverdale, and remains a go-to karaoke anthem for heartbroken souls.
What’s the secret? Timeless emotional honesty. The specifics—bathtub dinners, sex clubs—are extreme. But the feeling of trying to outrun grief is universal. The song doesn’t judge or moralise. It just tells the truth.
The Anatomy of a Viral Hit: Lessons for Creators
If you’re a writer, musician, or any kind of creator, “Habits” offers three crucial lessons:
1. Authenticity Over Polish
The original demo had lo-fi production. Tove Lo’s voice cracked in places. Yet that rawness made it more powerful. Don’t polish until you’ve lost the soul.
2. Let the Audience Find You
The Hippie Sabotage remix brought the song to a new audience. Tove Lo didn’t force a collaboration—it happened organically. Be open to unexpected partnerships.
3. Embrace the Dark Side
Happy songs are great, but people connect with pain. Don’t be afraid to write about your worst moments. Someone out there needs to hear they’re not alone.
Cultural Impact and Critical Reception
Critics praised “Habits” for its lyrical honesty but some accused it of glorifying drug use. Tove Lo responded by saying the song is about a “broken person doing stupid things to feel better.” She never claimed it was a guide—it was a story.
The song’s impact is also measured by its longevity. It continues to trend on TikTok during breakup seasons. New generations discover it and feel the same resonance. That’s the mark of a true phenomenon.
Comparing the Original and the Remix
| Aspect | Original “Habits” | Hippie Sabotage “Stay High” Remix |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo | Slow, 72 BPM | Medium, 95 BPM |
| Mood | Melancholic, intimate | Euphoric, energetic |
| Production | Minimal synths, heavy reverb | Trap hi-hats, 808 bass |
| Lyric focus | Full verses, narrative | Chorus repeated, hypnotic |
| Reach | Niche, indie audience | Global viral hit |
The remix arguably brought the song to a wider audience by adding dance-floor energy, but the original’s emotional weight remains intact.
Fuel Your Day Like a Hit Song: Top Protein Powders
Just as “Habits” fueled millions of playlists, the right nutrition can fuel your body and mind to build better daily habits. Here are the top-rated protein powders to support your fitness and recovery goals.
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Orgain Organic Unflavored Vegan Protein Powder, 1.59 lb — $26.99 — Rating: 4.3
FAQ about Tove Lo's "Habits (Stay High)"
What is the meaning behind Tove Lo's "Habits (Stay High)"?
The song describes the destructive coping mechanisms—drinking, partying, casual sex—used to numb emotional pain after a breakup. It’s a raw confession of trying to stay high to keep someone off your mind.
Who wrote "Habits"?
Tove Lo co-wrote the song with producers Ludvig Söderberg and Jakob Jerlström.
When was "Habits" released?
It was released on March 25, 2013, as part of her debut EP Truth Serum.
Why did the song become so popular?
A viral remix by Hippie Sabotage (the "Stay High" remix) introduced the song to a massive audience on SoundCloud and YouTube. Its honest lyrics also resonated deeply.
What music video is for "Habits"?
The official video shows Tove Lo on a chaotic night out, using a split-screen effect to contrast fun and emptiness. It was directed by Motel 666.
Has "Habits" won any awards?
It was nominated for several awards and won ASCAP Pop Music Awards for Most Performed Song in 2015.
Is "Habits" Tove Lo's biggest hit?
Yes, it remains her highest-charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 (peak #3) and her most-streamed song.
Tove Lo’s “Habits” proves that the most personal songs can become the most universal. It started as one woman’s messy diary entry and turned into a global phenomenon that gave millions permission to admit their own struggles. Whether you’re looking to break bad habits or build better ones, the first step is always the same: be honest about where you are.
And if you need fuel for the journey, remember that good nutrition supports both body and mind. Pick up a quality protein powder from the list above and start building the habits that will take you higher—without needing to stay high.