SZA’s 2022 single “Kill Bill” broke new ground in pop music with its unique blend of eerie, vintage soda shop-inspired production and ominous lyrics. The song became a chart-topping hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023.
In a recent appearance on the web series Chicken Shop Date, SZA discussed the extreme nature of the song’s lyrics. Host Amelia Dimoldenberg highlighted the intensity of the lyrics, questioning SZA about the line, “I might kill my ex.”
Reflecting on this, SZA admitted that the lyrics were harsh and resulted from a moment of random rage. She explained her feelings about the song, stating that she would rather be alone than in jail, referencing another line from the song.
Despite the song’s success, SZA was initially skeptical about “Kill Bill.” She once told Billboard that the song’s success annoyed her because it was easy to write and didn’t require the heart and energy she put into other tracks. SZA recorded the song in one take with producers Carter Lang and Rob Bisel, and Lang attributed its appeal to its authenticity and the striking combination of aggressive lyrics with a sweet, psychedelic-sounding beat.
SZA’s initial hesitation about releasing “Kill Bill” stemmed from concerns about the dramatic lyrics and their potential impact. However, the song resonated deeply with listeners and became a staple in her discography. SZA performed “Kill Bill” live at the 2024 Grammys with a Quentin Tarantino-inspired set, further cementing its place in music history.
Following her 2022 album SOS, SZA hinted at her next project, Lana. Initially planning to release a deluxe version of SOS, she decided to start fresh after some tracks leaked online. SZA announced on social media that she would be starting Lana from scratch, asking fans not to inquire about it further.
During a performance at BST Hyde Park on June 29, SZA teased the new album, asking the crowd if they were ready for it and previewing a new song. This indicates that her next project may be arriving soon, continuing her trend of creating impactful and authentic music.
Sources:
- People: SZA Jokes That Her ‘Kill Bill’ Lyrics Were ‘So Crazy and Harsh’: ‘I Was Just Randomly Slightly Enraged’
- Complex: SZA Jokes That “Kill Bill” Lyrics Were ‘Crazy and Harsh’ in Hindsight
- Pictures can be found on Instagram @sza
