hurt people

Oh-woah Ah Oh It wasn't nirvana The closest thing to heaven that you can't recreate Losing your father in second grade Not many of us relate the same Dippin' your head, hold your breath underwater As you hope for the best 'Cause where do you go when you reach the end And don't have your daddy to hold your hand? Oh, I've known hurt before, hurt before And I know hurt people hurt people And you were a roller Guided by the wind 'cause you never felt safe Hiding the bruises you couldn't share Under the makeup, it's somewhere there The sidewalk is gritty You come from a city that don't miss a beat Swallowed in all of your loneliness If only someone'd lend a helping hand You wouldn't have hurt before, hurt before 'Cause you know hurt people hurt people Oh, I've known hurt before, hurt before And I know hurt people hurt people See no one wants the poison inside their veins We all know that the ocean can't stop its waves And like a wilted flower that loses life I crawl into my shadow and then I hide 'Cause I've known hurt before, hurt before (oh) And I know hurt people hurt people Oh, I've known hurt before, hurt before And I know hurt people hurt people Hurt people (hurt people) Hurt people (hurt people) Oh, yeah (hurt people) Oh, yeah (hurt people, hurt people)

Composer: Khalid

In-depth Analysis of 'hurt people' by LyricLens AI

Khalid's 'hurt people', from his 2025 album "after the sun goes down", delves into the profound psychological concept that personal pain, left unaddressed, often propagates. This track resonates deeply by exploring the intricate dance between suffering and its outward expression, offering a raw look into the human condition.

Central Themes Explored:

The Cycle of Pain: The central mantra, "hurt people hurt people," underscores how unresolved trauma and deep-seated pain lead individuals to inflict similar suffering. The lyric "Losing your father in second grade" exemplifies a profound early loss that shapes a person's vulnerability.
Hidden Wounds and Isolation: Lines like "Hiding the bruises you couldn't share" and "Swallowed in all of your loneliness" powerfully illustrate the private battles and isolating nature of unaddressed suffering. Many carry their burdens silently, fearing judgment or lacking avenues for expression.
Lack of Support and Empathy: The yearning for a "daddy to hold your hand" and the lament "If only someone'd lend a helping hand" highlight the critical need for compassion, understanding, and intervention. The song subtly asks for empathy for those who cause pain, recognizing their own unseen battles.
Desire for Freedom: "See no one wants the poison inside their veins" speaks to the internal struggle against inherited pain and the innate human desire to break free from cycles of hurt.

The song evokes a blend of melancholy, introspection, and empathy, creating an atmosphere of quiet resignation mixed with a faint hope for understanding. 'hurt people' serves as a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of personal trauma, urging listeners to recognize the roots of harmful behavior in pain and to foster greater empathy, while acknowledging the immense challenge of breaking these pervasive cycles.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'hurt people' by Khalid

What is the main message of Khalid's song 'hurt people'?

The song's main message is encapsulated in the phrase "hurt people hurt people," illustrating that individuals who have experienced pain or trauma often, consciously or unconsciously, inflict similar suffering on others. It explores the cycle of pain and the critical need for understanding and support.

What does Khalid mean by "Losing your father in second grade"?

This line signifies a profound, early-life trauma or loss that shaped the individual's experience. It highlights how deep-seated, early-childhood pain can have lasting effects, making it difficult for the person to feel safe or secure later in life.

What emotional themes are present in 'hurt people'?

The song carries themes of empathy, sadness, loneliness, and introspection. It delves into the hidden struggles people face, the desire for help ("If only someone'd lend a helping hand"), and the inherent difficulty in escaping a painful past.

Fun Facts:

'hurt people' is featured on Khalid's album "after the sun goes down," released in 2025.
The lyrics suggest a deep psychological understanding of trauma and its propagation, prompting listeners to look beyond surface actions to the underlying pain.
The repeated phrase "hurt people hurt people" serves as a powerful, almost hypnotic, anchor for the song's core theme.