Meaning of "Bad Guy Now" by Erlend Øye

The lyrics of "Bad Guy Now" delve into the dynamics of a toxic relationship where one person is cruel and neglectful towards their partner. The narrator, who is a witness to this behavior, expresses sadness over the mistreatment and feels conflicted. They point out that the cruel person would rather laugh with them than take care of their partner, who has always been there for them. The narrator becomes scared of this person due to their callousness.

The song also touches upon the mistreatment of another person by the same cruel individual. The narrator observes that this person's welcome towards the other individual is like a wall of ice, suggesting a very cold and unfriendly demeanor. Despite the kindness this person shows towards the narrator, they are considered an enemy by the cruel person.

The lyrics reveal the narrator's frustration with the situation, as they have done so much for the cruel person yet are still treated poorly. They request a small concession, asking for a peaceful meal without it turning into a battle. The repeated questioning of "Who's the bad guy now?" reflects the narrator's realization that the cruel person is the one inflicting pain and causing harm in the relationship.

The song also touches on the impact the toxic relationship has had on the narrator's self-esteem. They recall a time when they were made to feel like the worst person in the world, causing them to question themselves and their place in the world. However, they eventually come to understand that the toxic person's actions were just a gameplay to manipulate their emotions.

In the end, the narrator asserts that the cruel person is the true bad guy. They highlight this by repeating the line "You're the bad guy now" multiple times, affirming their understanding of the situation and reclaiming their own worth.