The Meaning Behind The Song: Starving by Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld is an American actress and singer who rose to fame with her portrayal of Mattie Ross in the 2010 film True Grit. Since then, Hailee has been working on her career as a singer and has released several chart-topping songs. One such song is “Starving,” released in 2016, which features Zedd and Grey. The song was an instant success, peaking at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100. In this article, we will delve deep into the meaning behind “Starving.”
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Starving” revolve around the idea of a pervasive longing for love and how it affects a person’s mental and emotional states. The song talks about the intense desire to be with someone and the sensation of “starving” when they are not around. The first verse of the song goes like this:
“I didn’t know that I was starving ’til I tasted you
Don’t need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo
By the way, by the way, you do things to my body”
These lyrics express how the protagonist was unaware of what they were missing out on in life until they found the person they are singing about. It also mentions how the usual romantic gestures, like butterflies in one’s stomach, don’t seem necessary when everything else is there.
The chorus which is the most repeated part of the song, goes like this:
“I’m tryna change the game, but you wanna stay the same
So tell me what’s the point, yeah, what’s the point?
If I was you, I’d keep me around
I’m not the kinda girl you wanna leave
But boy, if you do, you’ll regret it
If you’re not the one for me
Then how come I can bring you to your knees?
If you’re not the one for me
Why do I hate the idea of being free?
And if I’m not the one for you
You’ve gotta stop holding me the way you do
Oh honey if I’m not the one for you
Why have we been through what we have been through?”
Here, the protagonist is expressing their confusion and their need for clarity about the relationship. They’re trying to change the dynamic, but their partner seems to be resistant to change. The protagonist is declaring how much they want to be around the other person and how much they would regret it if they had to leave. The last few lines express how they can make the other person feel and how much it hurts them to think of being free from the relationship. They’re also asking why their partner is holding on to them so tightly if they are not the one for them.
The Theme
Love is a universal theme that can be found in countless songs, poems, and pieces of literature. “Starving” takes a different perspective on love, exploring the darker and more anxious aspects of it. The protagonist expresses how they feel cut off from the rest of the world when they are not with the person they love. They’re attempting to change the status quo, but their partner seems content with the way things are. The song captures the feeling of emotional starvation, a feeling of emptiness and longing which can drive a person to initiate change.
There’s also an element of vulnerability in the song, where the protagonist is putting themselves out there in the hope of finding love. They are willing to compromise, change, and do whatever is necessary to make the relationship work. This vulnerability in itself is a risk, a leap of faith, and it can be incredibly daunting.
The Collaboration
“Starving” was a collaboration between three incredibly talented musicians: Hailee Steinfeld, Zedd, and Grey. Hailee’s unique voice style, combined with Zedd’s production, created a catchy and upbeat song that explores the darker sides of love. Grey’s experience as a songwriter added an extra layer of depth to the song.
The song was a commercial success, with over 600 million views on YouTube and 640 million streams on Spotify. It was also nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Collaboration in 2017.
FAQs
Why did Hailee Steinfeld choose “Starving” as the song’s title?
The title “Starving” perfectly represents the intensity of the love the protagonist feels in the song. They’re not just hungry for love; they’re starving for it. The title also captures the desperation and longing depicted in the lyrics.
Who wrote the lyrics for “Starving?”
The lyrics for “Starving” were written by four people – Hailee Steinfeld, Zedd, Rachel Keen, and Asia Whiteacre.
What inspired Hailee Steinfeld to write “Starving?”
Hailee has not explicitly stated what inspired her to write the song. However, the lyrics and the overall theme of the song suggest that it’s about the experience of being in love and the vulnerable emotional state that comes with it.
What is the significance of the line “Don’t need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo”?
The line “Don’t need no butterflies when you give me the whole damn zoo” means that the protagonist doesn’t need the usual romantic feelings like butterflies in their stomach. Instead, they have everything they could ask for in the relationship.
Who produced “Starving”?
The song’s production was handled by Zedd and Grey. Zedd is a German DJ and record producer, known for his collaborations with various artists like Alessia Cara, Maren Morris, and Selena Gomez, amongst others. Grey is an American electronic music duo, consisting of siblings Kyle and Michael Trewartha.
What genre does “Starving” belong to?
“Starving” is a dance-pop song with electropop and tropical house influences.
What was the commercial success of “Starving”?
“Starving” was a commercial success for Hailee Steinfeld and the other artists involved. The song peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 and has over 600 million views on YouTube and 640 million streams on Spotify.
What message does “Starving” convey?
At its core, “Starving” is a song about the intensity of love and how it affects a person’s mental and emotional state. The song expresses the yearning and hunger that comes with being in love and the desperation the protagonist feels to keep the relationship going.
What is Hailee Steinfeld’s background in music?
Hailee Steinfeld began her career primarily in acting, but she has always had an interest in music. She released her debut single “Love Myself” in 2015, which peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, she has released several other singles, including “Starving,” that have been commercially successful.
Did “Starving” receive any nominations for awards?
Yes, “Starving” was nominated for the Teen Choice Award for Choice Collaboration in 2017.
What is the significance of Zedd’s involvement in the song?
Zedd’s involvement in “Starving” is significant because of his experience as a DJ and record producer. He added his production style to the song, which gave it a catchy and upbeat vibe. It’s also important to note that Zedd has worked with other well-known artists before, such as Katy Perry and Ariana Grande, and his expertise in the music industry helped make “Starving” a commercial success.
What is the meaning behind the line “I’m tryna change the game, but you wanna stay the same”?
The line expresses the protagonist’s desire to change the relationship and the status quo, while their partner is content with the way things are. The line suggests that the protagonist wants to take the relationship to the next level, but their partner is resisting the change.
Is “Starving” based on a personal experience of Hailee Steinfeld?
Hailee has not confirmed whether “Starving” is based on a personal experience or not. However, the song’s lyrics and themes suggest that it could be based on her personal experience or someone she knows romantically.
What is the mood and tone of “Starving”?
The mood and tone of “Starving” are upbeat and catchy, but the lyrics and the theme are darker and more anxious. The song’s contrasting nature between the music and the lyrics adds to its popularity and staying power.
In conclusion, “Starving” is a song that delves deep into the universal theme of love, exploring the intense longing for it and the desperation that comes with it. Hailee Steinfeld’s powerful vocals, combined with Zedd and Grey’s production, created a catchy and upbeat song that has become a commercial success. The lyrics and the theme of the song allow for personal interpretation, but at its core, “Starving” is about the vulnerability of love and the risks that come with it.
