Content Guide
Admiration
I, as with many others, have become a strong admirer of Teddy Swims. I recall walking past a venue in Leeds some years ago, wondering why there were huge queues of people early stood on outside early afternoon eager to spot their idol, only to find out it was Teddy Swims and since then I have become all too aware of his spell. His new single, “Guilty” is another power anthem, and one which will be echoing out of playlists for a long time to come; that I am sure!
“Guilty” starts with the gentle plucks of an electric guitar, a clap beat soon emerging at the same time as the sublime vocal tones of Teddy. He gets straight into action and sings with his heart firmly on his sleeve. The chorus is omnipotent with a melody which stays in my mind long after it reaches its final note.
Meaning (My Opinion)
For me, “Guilty” is an intimate portrayal of the emotional complexity that emerge in passionate but stormy relationships. The lyrics depict a visceral portrait of love, envy, and heartbreak, as Teddy expresses guilt for loving someone so deeply. In the first line, he tells how his emotions, represented by the change from “crimson skies” to “blue,” show the person’s tremendous influence over him. His jealousy emerges when he is captivated by the prospect of them with someone else, demonstrating how all-encompassing his relationship has grown. The pre-chorus emphasises this turmoil by documenting his irresponsible actions—calling the person in distress or breaching boundaries in his eagerness to experience their presence, even if it is detrimental.
The constant motif of guilt throughout the song emphasises Teddy’s internal conflict, exposing the fragility that often emerges with love. He says that his heart bleeds for this person and is willing to accept the repercussions of his actions in the name of love. The chorus underlines this theme, with Teddy acknowledging that his emotional intensity, even if it leads to self-destruction, is worthwhile. Swims also discusses the usage of “medicine as a crutch,” which acknowledges how the anguish of unrequited love emerges in harmful coping strategies.
Listen To “Guilty” by Teddy Swims
You can take a listen to “Guilty” by Teddy Swims here. Also, be sure to let me know your thoughts on this new release by commenting beneath this post.
- Teddy Swims | “Guilty” | Single Review | 5/5 - January 29, 2025
- Nina Nesbitt | “Enough” | Single Review | 4/5 - January 28, 2025
- Sam Fender | “Arm’s Length” | Single Review | 4/5 - January 27, 2025