Meaning of “Gasoline” by Halsey

“Gasoline” is amongst the most-profound of Halsey’s tracks. It deals with the issue of a mental condition she has, bipolar disorder, in relation to her success in the music industry. The verses are mostly dedicated to her questioning whether the listener is “deranged like” her. However, she also uses them to point out some of the realities of being a recognizable face. The choruses expound on this idea, as they point out she is “part of a machine”. And the result is she is no longer “a human being”. As such, even though she has deep personal issues, there does not appear to be time or even interest in resolving them. 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Halsey's Gasoline at Lyrics.org.

And since she has low self-esteem, she can’t rely on her own self-worth to carry her through. Thus her works are instead being fueled by “gasoline”. And whereas it’s never pointed out exactly what this “gasoline” is, it seems to be exact same thing that is powering the “machine” and the robotic people it produces.

Gasoline lyrics

Quick Facts about “Gasoline”

  • “Gasoline” was released on 28 August 2015. It is featured on the deluxe edition of Halsey’s first studio album entitled Badlands.
  • This track was not featured on the first edition of Badlands since Halsey didn’t finish it on time for the album’s release.
  • Halsey co-wrote “Gasoline” with Norwegian record producer and songwriter Peder Losnegård. Losnegård is best known in the music industry as Lido.
  • Aside helping Halsey in writing this song, Lido also produced it.
  • This tune went on to become one of the most prominent songs from Badlands. It garnered over a 100 million streams on Spotify.
  • Via Twitter, Halsey named “Gasoline” amongst her “top 10” songs (in relation to lyrics).
  • This track was so successful that it was certified platinum in the United States. It sold at least one million copies there. It was also certified gold in Australia, meaning it sold at least 35,000 copies there.
  • The song best fits into the electropop genre.

Does “Gasoline” make use of samples?

Yes, it does. This song uses a sample from another Halsey song entitled “Hurricane”.

25 Responses

  1. Shaniqua Barbarito says:

    I luv dis song it like speaks 2 me yo

    • Anonymous says:

      no it doesn’t, don’t pretend.

      • Just A Person says:

        Stop being mean. You are not people. You are yourself. Just like their are themselves. Don’t speak for other people, please. Although you may have your reasons, it’s never okay to act like this. You don’t know their lives.

      • KFlex says:

        Your one of those trolls that likes to attack people that have mental issues. It is people like you that need to removed from society, because all you bring is toxic behaviour!

      • Anonymous says:

        Wow did u really have to say that.????????
        That is so shady

      • Just A Person 2 says:

        wow, misery is leaking off your words. Hope you find some peace from and grow out of the sh!t that is evidently your pathetic existence.

      • Anonymous says:

        Don’t be a cyberbully.

  2. Wildfire says:

    Same it’s suck in my head 24/7 and I love it it helps me cope with deppression and anxiety

  3. Iris says:

    I really like this song. This shows how cruel humans can be to those with talent and skill.

  4. Gasoline says:

    Love this song and its the best one ever

  5. Anonymous says:

    It’s a great song but what if the mental issue it’s talking about?

  6. Echo says:

    I like this song…….somewhat. i like control a lot better be warned its a little creepy. Actually a lot creepy and that’s why i like it.

  7. Anonymous says:

    She has low self esteem? She’s a 5’0 dwarf who thinks she’s Naomi Campbell. Too much self esteem, I would say on the psychopathic range.

    • Anonymous says:

      wow, nice shot, anonymous. great way to hit someone where they’re lowest.

    • Anonymous says:

      Way to be supportive ya jerk. Just because she’s a well known figure does not mean she isn’t human. We all struggle with low self esteem at some point in our lives. You seem to have low self esteem yourself with how you get off to insulting Halsey.

      • Model # T-101 says:

        Did you just forget she’s bipolar? Have you ever delt with anyone with bipolar disorder? To say its a roller coaster ride of emotions is an understatement. When they are low they can potentially kill themselves from reading the crap you wrote

        • Amy says:

          as a bipolar myself I would never accept any of this because that’s really fucking disgusting and horrible to say about another person who clearly isn’t mentally stable all the time. Do some research please because comments like this can kill a person who is bipolar.

    • Bre says:

      So what do u do? Talkin sh-t behind a computer that’s what….it’s people like u who wish u could be like her! She and other musicians make hits about their struggles in life …. I doubt ud have the guts to 1. Be vulnerable to write songs about real sh-t that we all go thru on some level 2. regardless if it’s being famous or a nobody at the end of the day we all put our pants on one leg at a time……3. quit sippin on that Haterade sweetie and learn to appreciate people for who they are and what they contribute to the world….we all have something to contribute whether big or small. So I applaud anyone who has the guts to express themselves and share with the world…..comments like urs stem from jealousy on some level…I know this because I was insecure and drank that Haterade for most of my life…..be kind even if people have been unkind to u….

  8. Dani says:

    Halsey is someone I can relate to besides Eminem

  9. Bre says:

    3 am, still learning, bad at luv, nightmare, I hate everybody and strangers are the ones that I luv and they speak to me!! I too am bipolar borderline personality disorder anxiety, social anxiety, have been as high as 250lbs and as low as 112lbs, ptsd for childhood traumas….did 3 months at eating disorder treatment abd now look like a 40 yr old woman….3am bc I too needed validation from anyone to feel like I was fine and worthy….I just luv her music soooo much snd she’d be a blast yo be friends with

  10. Anonymous says:

    I relate.. and my dad has bipolar so i understand. To say they’re sensitive is an understatement.

  11. Lucia Lopez says:

    For me i think it can be about dehumanization of celebrities. In my middle school the teachers were demeaning and dehumanizing kids and it really kinda hits me hard because I feel like it’s relatable.

  12. Lucia Lopez-Tobella says:

    I first connected it to dehumanizing celebrities and honestly I still connect them. My middle school was really good with dehumanizing the kids especially the ethnic groups of kids (there were many) so it feels really relatable since I’m familiar with being told I’m a machine.

  13. -serina says:

    This song relates to my school life. often dealing with myself and my toxic friends I feel like I’m insane and I’m no longer a human being since nobody understands me and what I’m going thru.

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