“The Curse” Lyrics by Self Esteem is a new English song by Self Esteem, released on April 24, 2025, under the label Self Esteem’s official YouTube channel. Written by Seye Adelekan, Johan Hugo, and Self Esteem, and produced by Johan Hugo, the song is from the album A Complicated Woman. The track offers a raw, emotionally charged exploration of personal struggles, self-doubt, and the complex dynamics in relationships, blending dark humor and vulnerability to deliver a compelling experience for listeners.
“The Curse” is a song that delves into the internal conflict and self-destructive patterns that can arise in relationships, both with others and within oneself. Self Esteem navigates themes of dissatisfaction, emotional distance, and the push and pull of unfulfilled expectations. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration, where the protagonist grapples with being stuck in a cycle of behavior that “works” but ultimately feels harmful. The song’s tone shifts from bitter self-awareness to an almost nihilistic acknowledgment that these patterns persist despite their negative impact, encapsulated in the refrain “but it really works, and that’s the curse.”
The Curse Details
| Song | The Curse |
|---|---|
| Album | A Complicated Woman |
| Artists | Self Esteem |
| Written By | Seye Adelekan, Johan Hugo & Self Esteem |
| Produced By | Johan Hugo |
| Label | Self Esteem |
| Language | English |
| Released Date | Apr 24, 2025 |
The Curse Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Another day I’m waking up to the fear of shaking
From yet another one
I promised two and done, but
I can’t be trusted and you always knew that
I had a prophet, but you just told me that he quit
[Pre-Chorus]
Good, now that’s good for him
[Chorus]
If I’m sober or drunk
It’s still me in the middle of the problem
But if I’m sober or drunk, I still got time for you
And I can say yes to lunch
And dread it from the moment that I’m walkin’
Right upto to your door but I know I can see it through
With you, my friend, with you
[Verse 2]
Who is the you you’re saving?
What are you really craving?
It’s just alone time, but you think I’m in my prime
We had a good run, fooled you that I’m fun
A show for no one, yet again, I let the curtain fall
Got great reviews
[Chorus]
If I’m sober or drunk
It’s still me in the middle of the problem
But if I’m sober or drunk, I still got time for you
And I can say yes to lunch
And dread it from the moment that I’m walkin’
Right upto to your door, there’s nothing I can do
Fuck you, my friend, fuck you
[Refrain]
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t work
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t work, no
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t work
But it really works and that’s the curse
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t fucking work
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t fucking work
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t fucking work
But it really works, and that’s the curse
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t fucking work
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t fucking work
I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t fucking work
But it really works, and that’s the curse
[Outro]
Fuck you, fuck you
Fuck you, fuck you
But it really works and that’s the curse
The Curse Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Another day I’m waking up]
In this verse, Self Esteem describes waking up to the anxiety and fear of confronting yet another day filled with uncertainty and self-recrimination. The line “I promised two and done, but I can’t be trusted” reveals a sense of self-doubt and failure, suggesting a pattern of broken promises and unfulfilled intentions. The reference to having “a prophet” who “quit” may indicate that the protagonist once had guidance or hope, but it has since faded, leaving them feeling abandoned and alone in their struggles.
[Pre-Chorus: Good, now that’s good for him]
The pre-chorus expresses a cynical reaction to the idea that the prophet’s departure is somehow positive for them. This suggests a sense of apathy or even bitterness toward others who have moved on or distanced themselves, leaving the protagonist to confront their issues alone.
[Chorus: If I’m sober or drunk]
The chorus highlights the protagonist’s struggle to reconcile their inner turmoil with external expectations. Whether sober or intoxicated, the protagonist remains at the “center of the problem,” illustrating their feeling of being trapped in an ongoing issue they cannot escape. Despite the negative emotions, they continue to engage with others, symbolized by the willingness to “say yes to lunch,” but the act of going through the motions is tinged with dread and anxiety.
[Verse 2: Who is the you you’re saving?]
In the second verse, Self Esteem questions the motivations and desires of the other person in the relationship, wondering who they are truly trying to “save” and what they are craving. The line “It’s just alone time, but you think I’m in my prime” suggests that the protagonist’s need for solitude and reflection is misunderstood, while others might perceive them as being in a more idealized state than they truly are. The verse ends with the admission that the protagonist has been playing a role (“a show for no one”), further emphasizing the theme of emotional exhaustion and the need for authenticity.
[Chorus: If I’m sober or drunk]
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the cyclical nature of the protagonist’s emotional state, where they remain the central figure in their struggles regardless of external circumstances. The addition of the phrase “fuck you, my friend” at the end of this chorus marks a shift from resignation to anger, signaling the breakdown of a relationship or the protagonist’s frustration with the people around them.
[Refrain: I wouldn’t do it if it didn’t work]
The refrain serves as a moment of harsh self-reflection, where Self Esteem acknowledges that despite the negative effects, the dysfunctional behavior persists because it “works” in some way. This paradoxical realization becomes the central theme of the song, where the protagonist understands that their actions or patterns are harmful, but they are also deeply ingrained and hard to break.
[Outro: Fuck you, fuck you]
The outro echoes the anger and frustration conveyed in the previous chorus, with the repeated “fuck you” symbolizing the emotional distance and disillusionment felt toward those who may have failed to meet the protagonist’s emotional needs. The outro also emphasizes the ongoing internal conflict between engaging with toxic patterns and the recognition of their damaging consequences.
The Curse Official Video
A Complicated Woman Songs
FAQs
The "The Curse" song is sung by Self Esteem.
The "The Curse" song by Self Esteem lyrics was written by Seye Adelekan, Johan Hugo & Self Esteem.
The "The Curse" song by Self Esteem was produced by Johan Hugo.
Self Esteem released "The Curse" song on Apr 24, 2025.
More Self Esteem Songs
Thank you for reading the lyrics of "The Curse" by Self Esteem. If you enjoyed the song, share it with your friends and family in the USA! If you notice any errors or discrepancies, please feel free to submit corrections via the Contact Us section. We value accurate lyrics and aim to provide the best content for fans. These lyrics are provided for educational purposes only, respecting the artists and their work. Please share and help others enjoy this track!
