Laufey’s buttery smooth vocals have been keeping fans fed for a few years now, and the singer-songwriter is putting them to work on her latest single, “Tough Luck.”
While the Grammy winner gained traction thanks to her efforts in bringing classical and jazz music to a new generation, she’s fusing her signature sound with an alternative pop flair on her upcoming album, A Matter of Time, which drops on August 22. She’s seemingly introducing new musical elements for a modern touch, and we’re totally here for it.
According to Laufey (pronounced Lay-Vay), “Tough Luck” is her version of crashing out after a breakup from a toxic ex. “I wanted to reveal an angrier side of myself—a side that this unfortunate relationship brought out in me,” she shared in a statement ahead of the song’s release.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into Laufey’s “Tough Luck” lyrics and their potential meaning.
Lyrics provided by Genius
[Verse 1]
Are you tired? I can tell that you’re tired
Your eyes turn gray, you beg me to be silent
You said I can’t read your mind
But I’m reading it just fine
You think you’re so misunderstood
The black cat of your neighborhood
From the jump, Laufey reveals her discomfort in the relationship and describes the tension with her (soon-to-be ex) partner.
[Chorus]
Tough luck, my boy, your time is up
I’ll break it first, I’ve had enough
Of waiting ’til you lie and cheat
Just like you did to the actress before me
Oops, she doesn’t even know
You won’t be missed, I’m glad to see you go
Okay, not her casually spilling tea on this chorus. While he hasn’t cheated or lied (yet, anyway), she jumps the gun before he even has a chance.
[Post-Chorus]
Tough luck, tough luck
[Verse 2]
Since we’re spilling secrets
Does your mothеr even know? (Mother еven know)
You demoralized, effaced me
Just to feed your frail ego (Oh)
When you’re screaming at the TV
Cussing out opposing football teams
You said I’d never understand
The things that make a man a man
The digs keep coming in the second verse, as she brings his mom into their argument. Would she proud of the man who stands before Laufey? According to these lyrics, signs point to “no.”
[Chorus]
[Bridge]
I should congratulate thee
For so nearly convincing me
I’m not quite as smart as I seem
That I’m a loud-mouthed nobody
My accent and music are dumb
Your tattoos are no better, hun
The proof says you’re tragic as fuck
The truth is that's just tough, tough luck (Tough luck)
Tough, tough luck (Tough luck)
Tough, tough luck (Tough, tough luck)
(Tough, tough luck)
Our girl is coming for blood on this bridge. Perhaps she put it best when she teased the song on TikTok: “God forbid a girl crashes out through song for once.”
[Chorus]
