I forgive you

"**I forgive you**" (styled as "**I forgive you.**") is an unreleased song by Halsey. The song was meant to be for If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power (album) before it was ultimately scrapped; the song was leaked between August and September 2023. It has never been officially released or performed.

## Background

The song's existence goes back to November 10, 2021, where Halsey responded to a fan's question regarding outtakes:

"*One actually didn’t make it. It was called “I forgive you.” And I was still crying on the 100th listen so I decided to keep it for myself for now.* "
—Halsey

The song was ultimately leaked about two years later, it is unknown the exact date, but it is speculated between August and September 2023. The reason for the song to be scrapped from the album is the emotion that it carries, as Halsey stated it is very personal to her to the point they cried every single time they listened to the song.

The song is alluding to Ashley's family, in particular her parents. It talks about how family trauma can be dragged for years and years even in adulthood.

It may be possible that this song could be on Halsey's upcoming fifth album/Ashley's second personal album fitting into the "Manic vibe" and personal songs.

## Cross-references

* "She still has both your wedding rings" could be a reference to "Wrap me in a wedding ring, you know I swear I'd give you anything" in Ya'aburnee.
* "This town ain't big enough for the both of us" could be a reference to "the loneliest girl in town" setting in The Tradition.

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Where do I begin?

I'm braver when I'm far away and speaking on a whim

You told me that you'd kill him if he touch me once again

But you're as bad as him

For every finger that he lifted I have memories you twisted, and recitals that you missed

Broken knees you never kissed

And I told my therapist

She said there's still a little girl in me you're holding by the wrist

And she and I can't coexist

Or I'll be spending an eternity with lots of narcissists

[Chorus]

So this town ain't big enough for both of us

And I don't have the strength to take control of us

I bite my tongue so hard I start to swallow it

And I forgive you, but I still remember all of it

[Verse 2]

I wonder if you'd like me if things were different

If I wasn't who I am and insignificant

I only wish you could have left her out of it

She's never done a thing without a doubt of it

And she needs me more than anything

She still has both your wedding rings

I love you both, but once in a while

I'd love the chance to be the only child

'Cause everyone needs something all the time

[Chorus]

This town ain't big enough for both of us

And I don't have the strength to take control of us

I bite my tongue so hard I start to swallow it

And I forgive you, but I still remember all of it

[Bridge]

If you ask me what this song's about, I'll lie

'Cause I don't have the strength to not deny

And I still want you to love me deep inside

And I still need your approval, though I try

[Chorus]

This town ain't big enough for both of us

And I don't have the strength to take control of us

I bite my tongue so hard I start to swallow it

And I forgive you, but I still remember all of it

I still remember all of it

## References

1. ↑ [1]

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