After signing with RCA Records in 2021, Steve Lacy began working on “Bad Habit,” a song he considers a creative turning point. This psychedelic, lo-fi R&B and bedroom pop ballad, produced by Lacy himself, features a subtly distorted guitar riff layered with a groovy bassline, rhythmic drums, and shimmering synthesizers.

Song Credits

  • Artist: Steve Lacy
  • Album: Gemini Rights
  • Released: June 29, 2022
  • Recorded: June 2021–June 2022
  • Length: 3:52 (album version), 2:45 (radio version)
  • Label: RCA Records
  • Writer: Matthew Castellanos, Diana Gordon, Fousheé, Steve Lacy, John Carroll Kirby
  • Producer: Steve Lacy, John Carroll Kirby

Steve Lacy “Bad Habit” Official MV

Steve Lacy “Bad Habit” Lyrics

wanted me
I wish I knew, I wish I knew you wanted me
I wish I knew, I wish I knew you wanted me

What you, ooh, uh, what you do?
Made a move, coulda made a move
If I knew I'd be with you
Is it too late to pursue?

I bite my tongue, it's a bad habit
Kinda mad that I didn't take a stab at it
Thought you were too good for me, my dear
Never gave me time of day, my dear
It's okay, things happen for
Reasons that I think are sure, yeah

I wish I knew, I wish I knew you wanted me
I wish I knew (oh), I wish I knew you wanted me
I wish I knew (yeah), I wish I knew you wanted me (oh)
I wish I knew, I wish I knew you wanted me

Say to me (please just say to me)
If you still want it
I wish you wouldn't play with me
I wanna know (oh no)

Uh, can I bite your tongue like my bad habit?
Would you mind if I tried to make a pass at it?
Were you not too good for me, my dear?
Funny you come back to me, my dear
It's okay, things happen for
Reasons that I can't ignore, yeah

I wish I knew, I wish I knew you wanted me
I wish I knew (wish I knew), I wish I knew you wanted me (oh)

You can't surprise a Gemini
I'm everywhere, I'm cross-eyed, and
Now that you're back, I can't decide
If I decide if you're invited
You always knew the way to wow me
Fuck around, get tongue-tied, and
I turn it on, I make it rowdy
Then carry on, but I'm not hidin'
You grabbin' me hard 'cause you know what you found
Is biscuits, is gravy, babe, ah-ah

You can't surprise a Gemini
But you know it's biscuits, is gravy, babe
I knew you'd come back around
'Cause you know it's biscuits, it's gravy, babe
Let's fuck in the back of the mall, lose control
Go stupid, go crazy, babe
I know I'll be in your heart 'til the end
You'll miss me, don't beg me, babe

Steve Lacy “Bad Habit” Meaning

“Bad Habit” captures the bittersweet regret of a missed romantic opportunity, as Steve Lacy reflects on his hesitation to make a move. The song’s smooth, self-assured sound contrasts with lyrics that embody the classic feeling of “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve.” From the very start, Lacy openly expresses his frustration, singing, “Made a move, could’ve made a move,” before questioning, “Is it too late to pursue?” The chorus deepens this sense of longing, as he admits to his recurring pattern of holding back. “I bite my tongue, it’s a bad habit,” he confesses, lamenting his lack of confidence and the self-doubt that prevented him from seizing the moment.

steve lacy bad habits

As the song progresses, his perspective subtly shifts. The final breakdown finds Lacy in a state of disbelief when the person he once hesitated to pursue suddenly reciprocates his feelings. With the music stripped away, his thoughts take center stage: “You can’t surprise a Gemini,” he muses, torn between excitement and indecision. The song ultimately reflects a universal struggle, hesitating too long, overthinking possibilities, and letting fear of rejection cloud the chance for connection.

Lacy’s introspection is laced with acceptance; he recognizes his tendency to overanalyze, yet he doesn’t fight it. His self-awareness, paired with his astrological nod to Gemini duality, previously explored in his song “Mercury,” suggests an ongoing inner conflict. “Bad Habit” serves as both a confession and a cautionary tale, reminding listeners of the consequences of hesitation while acknowledging that some missed chances are simply part of life.