Bad News

Album: It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Bad News" is an impassioned plea to a man who's afraid to commit to a relationship. She's implores him to turn his back on street life and hang out with her.

    Take a little time from the wild out
    You could slow the time down with me, babe


    Kehlani assures the dude she can love him past his pain.
  • Kehlani wrote the song with Jahaan Sweet, who handles a lot of her production. The Julliard-trained producer's other credits include Eminem's "Lucky You," A Boogie Wit Da Hoodies's "Drowning (Water)," and Post Malone's "Saint-Tropez."
  • Trapped at home because of the coronavirus pandemic, Kehlani shot the video herself under the name Hyphy Williams, a reference to the music video legend Hype Williams. The clip finds the Bay Area Native wearing a stunning white gown, posing for a somber bridal shoot. We see the elegant bride praying, smoking, reading magazines, sipping from a flask, cocking a gun, and pole dancing.

    Kehlani explained that she shot the clip with her close photographer friend Brianna Alysse and edited it with her on Premiere Pro. She tweeted, "Little ole us wit the camera and desktop in the garage. I can't wait to look back at this time in 10 years."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Tony Banks of Genesis

Tony Banks of GenesisSongwriter Interviews

Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.