"Kill Bill" is the third single from SZA's sophomore album, SOS Deluxe: LANA (Expanded), released in 2022. The song is a harmonious yet dark exploration of heartbreak and revenge, drawing inspiration from the iconic film series directed by Quentin Tarantino.
The song delves into themes of heartbreak, jealousy, and revenge, portraying a protagonist who grapples with intense emotions after her ex-boyfriend moves on with someone new, leading her to contemplate extreme actions.
The lyrics of "Kill Bill" present a vivid narrative of emotional turmoil and dark humor. The opening lines, "I’m still a fan even though I was salty / Hate to see you with some other broad, know you happy," set the stage for the protagonist's conflicting feelings. She acknowledges her jealousy and bitterness while still holding affection for her ex. This duality is a recurring theme throughout the song, as she oscillates between maturity and vengeful thoughts.
The chorus, where she sings, "I might kill my ex / Not the best idea / His new girlfriend’s next," starkly illustrates her internal conflict. Here, SZA uses dark humor to express her feelings of betrayal and anger. The phrase "not the best idea" serves as a self-aware acknowledgment of her extreme thoughts, highlighting the absurdity of her situation. This juxtaposition of humor and seriousness adds depth to her emotional state, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on her feelings of inadequacy and loss. Lines like "I get the sense that it’s a lost cause / I get the sense that you might really love her" reveal her awareness of her ex's new relationship and her struggle to accept it. The mention of a therapist suggests an attempt to rationalize her feelings, yet her desire for her ex remains overpowering. The lyrics, "If I can’t have you, no one should," encapsulate her possessive feelings, emphasizing the extremes to which love can drive a person.
The bridge of the song introduces a moment of clarity, where she admits, "I did it all for love / I did it all on no drugs / I did all of this sober." This line reflects her commitment to her feelings, even if they lead her down a dark path. It suggests that her emotions are raw and unfiltered, further emphasizing the intensity of her heartbreak.
In the final verses, the protagonist's thoughts escalate to a point of no return, culminating in the line, "I just killed my ex / Not the best idea / Killed his girlfriend next." This shocking conclusion serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of unresolved feelings and the lengths to which one might go when consumed by jealousy and betrayal. The repetition of the phrase "rather be in hell than alone" underscores her desperation, revealing a profound fear of loneliness that drives her to contemplate violence.
Overall, "Kill Bill" is a complex exploration of love, loss, and the darker sides of human emotion. SZA masterfully blends vulnerability with dark humor, creating a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced the pain of a breakup and the jealousy that can follow.