"Habits (Stay High)" is a stark and unflinching exploration of coping mechanisms. Tove Lo lays bare her vulnerabilities, depicting a descent into self-destructive behavior to numb the pain of lost love. The song's raw honesty has established it as a modern anthem of vulnerability.

These opening lines immediately plunge the listener into the protagonist's chaotic reality. The phrase "stay high" functions as both a literal reference to substance use and a metaphorical desire to escape reality. The song acts not as a glorification, but as a confession of the desperate need to fill a void.

Originally released in 2013, the song gained massive international fame in 2014 thanks to the remix by Hippie Sabotage. This remix transformed the melancholic ballad into an atmospheric, hypnotic trap-influenced pop track.

Tove Lo wrote the song during a period of intense emotional turmoil, and her background as a songwriter (including for Icona Pop) helped her craft a melody that was both catchy and deeply emotive.

The song reached the top 10 in many countries, peaking at #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It amassed millions of streams, solidifying Tove Lo's reputation as a unique voice in pop music who isn't afraid to tackle dark and uncomfortable subjects.

While the original version focuses on minimalist production and Tove Lo's raw vocals, the famous Hippie Sabotage Remix (featured here) speeds up and pitches up the vocals, adding dreamy synth pads and a hypnotic beat. This contrast creates a surreal, dizzying effect that perfectly mirrors the lyrical theme of intoxication.

The music video visualizes the song's themes of disarray and hedonism. Here is the popular remix version that dominated the charts.

The lyrics offer an unfiltered glimpse into the mind of someone struggling. The repetition of "high all the time" reinforces the obsessive focus on escaping pain.