“Down”: Why I Hate Fifth Harmony

I was listening to Spotify songs when I had the misfortune to stumble across Fifth (Fourth?) Harmony’s song, Down.

Let’s dissect the lyrics to prove, once again, how messed up contemporary cultural expectations are, starting with the second verse:

I need somebody with some patience
’Cause you know I got a temperament

So, instead of fixing your temper, you decide to just “ask for someone with patience.” No anger management counselling for you; you decide to make things harder for the people you claim to care for the most.

And yeah, you got a reputation
Nothin’ that a little love can’t fix

If she’s talking about having a reputation for cheating, “love” does not fix cheating. People have merit when they say, “Once a cheater, always a cheater.” Cheating is an addiction; it has everything to do with the cheater and nothing to do with the person being cheated on. Even if the cheater is dissatisfied with the relationship, rather than encouraging open communication with their partner or breaking up, they just go ahead and cheat. That hints at underlying psychological issues that need to be addressed; it cannot be fixed by “love.”

There ain’t no kinda situation
Where I wouldn’t cross a line for you

This is very similar to the cliché line, “I would do anything for you,” hinting at unconditional love. Unconditional love, however, is extremely unhealthy in a romantic relationship. What happens if the person you…