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Halsey has ushered in a new era with her latest emotionally charged single, “The End,” released on June 4, Billboard reports. Stripping back to an acoustic guitar, the track showcases Halsey’s raw vocals and introspective lyrics, delving into her ongoing health battles and existential reflections.
A Raw and Unplugged Revelation
In “The End,” Halsey opens with poignant lines that immediately set the tone for the deeply personal narrative: “Every couple of years now, a doctor says I’m sick/ Pulls out a brand new bag of tricks/ And then they lay it on me/ And at first, it was my brain, then a skeleton in pain/ And I don’t like to complain, but I’m saying sorry.” These lyrics encapsulate the relentless cycle of diagnoses and treatments that Halsey has endured, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of her health struggles.
The song’s pre-chorus and chorus hint at a redemptive love that transcends physical limitations, offering a glimmer of hope amid the pain. Halsey’s decision to release an acoustic track underscores the vulnerability she conveys, stripping away the layers of production to focus on the sincerity of her message.
Accompanying the release of “The End,” Halsey shared a five-post carousel on Instagram that visually narrates the same physical and emotional pain described in the song. One slide shows her running her hands up and down her legs to soothe the pain, accompanied by a heartfelt caption: “I feel like an old lady. I told myself I’m giving myself two more years to be sick. At 30, I’m having a rebirth and I’m not gonna be sick and I’m gonna look super hot and have so much energy and just get to re-do my twenties in my thirties.”
Another slide documents her first day of treatment, providing a glimpse into the medical journey that Halsey has been navigating. The final slides compile moments of vulnerability, showing the singer with tears in her eyes as she tries different medications and spends more time in hospital rooms than she would like. This candid documentation resonates with fans, many of whom have faced similar struggles.
Documenting the Journey
Halsey’s health issues have been a significant part of her life, particularly since she gave birth to her first child, Ender, in 2021. In May 2022, she opened up about her ongoing health challenges, revealing that she had developed allergies to “literally everything” and had been grappling with various diagnoses. “My health has changed a lot since I got pregnant and gave birth. I started getting really, really, really sick. I’ve been kind of sick most of my adult life,” she shared at the time.
Her list of health issues includes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome, POTS, and ongoing investigations into a potential additional autoimmune disease. Halsey’s openness about these conditions has shed light on the complexities of living with chronic illness, fostering a sense of solidarity among fans who share similar experiences.
One Reddit user poignantly captured the impact of “The End,” writing, “I’m a Halsey stan who’s been battling a chronic illness after giving birth five years ago, and this song honest to God felt like a narration of my last five years.” This sentiment echoes the broader connection that Halsey’s music fosters with listeners who find solace and understanding in her candid storytelling.
As Halsey gears up for the release of her fifth studio album, “The End” sets the stage for what promises to be a deeply personal and resonant project. The track not only highlights her artistic evolution but also underscores her commitment to using her platform to advocate for those navigating similar struggles. In sharing her journey, Halsey continues to break down barriers, offering a voice to the voiceless and reminding us all of the healing power of music.
