Meaning of "Red Flags" by Andra Day

"Red Flags" delves into the emotions of betrayal, heartbreak, and self-realization that come with being in a toxic relationship. The narrator vividly describes the tears, lies, and broken promises of a partner who continuously gaslights them by claiming they never meant any harm. The lyrics highlight the difficulty of recognizing warning signs, the pain of lost trust and love, and the struggle to move on after being deceived. The repeated references to hindsight and realizing the red flags too late serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of paying attention to one's intuition and not ignoring early indicators of a troubled relationship. The final lines express a sense of resignation and acceptance that the narrator should have seen the signs and protected themselves from the hurt caused by the partner's actions.