Be Kind
by Marshmello (featuring Halsey)

Album: Collabs (2020)
Charted: 33 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Marshmello links up with Halsey to explore trust issues in a relationship.
  • Halsey's lover has emotional issues and is afraid to be vulnerable. Instead of opening to her, he's "choking" on his fears, telling lies and acting aggressively. Halsey assures her man that she truly cares for him and if he would unburden himself, she will remain by his side. This is because she believes it's his bruised ego making him react the way he is and he doesn't "have a bad bone" in his body. Rather than fighting when things become tough, she urges her beau to "be kind."
  • During the bridge, Halsey talks about how her love for her emotionally stunted man is weighing her down.

    I know it's hard for you, but it's not fair
    Going sick in the head, tryna get you there


    Halsey's support for a toxic lover leading her into a destructive place is a theme she's touched on in several previous songs, including "Without Me" (2018).

    Just runnin' from the demons in your mind
    Then I took yours and made 'em mine


    And "Graveyard" (2019)

    I know when you go
    Down all your darkest roads
    I woulda followed all the way to the graveyard
  • Marshmello and Halsey wrote the song with:

    Amy Allen, who co-penned "Without Me" and "Graveyard." Her other credits include Selena Gomez' "Back to You" and Harry Styles' "Adore You."

    Freddy Wexler, who has written songs recorded by such artists including Selena Gomez ("Slow Down"), the Jonas Brothers ("Like It's Christmas") and Bridgit Mendler ("Hold On for Dear Love").
  • Marshmello and Halsey released the song on May 1, 2020, when many were struggling amid the coronavirus lockdown. Halsey described the song's vibe as, "cute optimistic heartfelt dance summery '80s," adding she and Mello thought the track possesses the kinds of vibes people could use right now.
  • Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the colorful video finds Halsey traveling through three different worlds while Marshmello makes various cameos throughout. According to a press release, Halsey learnt the choreography through FaceTime because it was shot during the coronavirus lockdown.
  • The song appears on both the deluxe version of Halsey's third studio album, Manic, and on her EP Collabs.

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