“I Had Some Help” by Post Malone, featuring Morgan Wallen, is a catchy yet introspective song that explores the bitter aftermath of a toxic relationship. The lyrics delve into themes of shared responsibility and mutual blame, highlighting how both partners contributed to the relationship’s demise. The song’s chorus, “I had some help,” emphasizes that the mess they’re in wasn’t created alone, with references to shared destructive behaviors like excessive drinking.
The song premiered at the Stagecoach Music Festival in April 2024 and became a summer hit, resonating with listeners through its raw and honest portrayal of relationship dynamics.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
“I Had Some Help” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Post Malone]
You got a lotta nerve, don’t you, baby?
I only hit the curb ’cause you made me
You’re tellin’ all your friends that I’m crazy
Like I’m the only one
Why’d you throw them stones if you
Had a wild hair of your own or two?
Livin’ in your big glass house with a view
I thought you knew
Post Malone addresses his ex-partner, calling out their hypocrisy and deflection of blame. He points out that his actions were a result of their influence, yet they’re portraying him as the sole problem in their social circle. The lyrics use the metaphor of throwing stones while living in a glass house, highlighting the ex-partner’s own flaws and suggesting they’re equally culpable in the relationship’s issues.
[Chorus: Post Malone]
I had some help
It ain’t like I can make this kinda mess all by myself
Don’t act like you ain’t help me pull that bottle off the shelf
Been deep in every weekend if you couldn’t tell
They say, “Teamwork makes the dream work”
Hell, I had some help (Help)
The chorus emphasizes the shared responsibility in the relationship’s breakdown. The repeated phrase “I had some help” underscores that the mess they’re in isn’t solely one person’s doing. The mention of pulling “that bottle off the shelf” implies shared destructive behaviors, possibly related to alcohol. The line “Teamwork makes the dream work” is used ironically to suggest that both parties contributed to the relationship’s failure.
[Verse 2: Morgan Wallen]
You thought I’d take the blame for us a-crumbling
Go ’round like you ain’t guilty of somethin’
Already lost the game that you been runnin’
Guess it’s catchin’ up to you, huh
You think that you’re so innocent
After all the shit you did
I ain’t an angel, you ain’t heaven-sent
Can’t wash our hands of this
Wallen continues the theme of shared blame, addressing the ex-partner’s attempt to absolve themselves of responsibility. He points out that neither of them is blameless, using the phrases “I ain’t an angel, you ain’t heaven-sent” to emphasize their mutual imperfections.
[Bridge: Morgan Wallen, Post Malone & Both]
It takes two to break a heart in two, ooh
Baby, you blame me and, baby, I blame you
Aw, if that ain’t the truth (Oh)
The bridge directly states the song’s central theme: “It takes two to break a heart in two.” This line encapsulates the idea that both parties in a relationship contribute to its success or failure. The alternating blame (“Baby, you blame me and, baby, I blame you”) further reinforces the concept of shared responsibility.
Deeper Meaning Behind “I Had Some Help”
Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help,” featuring Morgan Wallen, delves into the complex dynamics of a toxic relationship’s aftermath. The song explores themes of shared responsibility, blame, and the destructive patterns that can emerge in troubled partnerships.
At its core, the track is a bitter reflection on a failed relationship where both parties contributed to its downfall. The lyrics paint a picture of two individuals caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, particularly involving alcohol. The repeated phrase “I had some help” serves as a sardonic acknowledgment that the narrator’s descent into chaos wasn’t a solo endeavor.
The song cleverly subverts the common narrative of one-sided blame in breakups. Instead of portraying himself as an innocent victim, Post Malone admits his own faults while simultaneously calling out his ex-partner’s hypocrisy. This is evident in lines like “Why’d you throw them stones if you had a wild hair of your own or two?” which highlights the double standards often present in relationship conflicts.
The metaphor of a “glass house” is particularly poignant, suggesting fragility and transparency in the relationship. It implies that both parties were equally vulnerable and flawed, yet quick to judge each other. The recurring imagery of pulling “that bottle off the shelf” underscores the role of substance abuse in exacerbating their problems, serving as a shared crutch and catalyst for their downward spiral.
Ultimately, “I Had Some Help” is a raw and honest exploration of the aftermath of a toxic relationship. It acknowledges the painful truth that it often takes two to create a “mess” of this magnitude. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics offer a cathartic experience for listeners who have experienced similar relationship dynamics, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of codependency and mutual self-destruction in romantic partnerships.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.