Him & I (with Halsey)

"Him & I" is a passionate anthem that chronicles a ride-or-die, all-consuming love affair. The song's meaning is deeply rooted in the real-life romance between G-Eazy and Halsey at the time of its creation, lending it a layer of authenticity. Both artists confirmed that the track was not a contrived story but a genuine reflection of their intense connection. The central theme is one of unwavering loyalty and a shared journey against the world, encapsulated by the repeated vow, "In the end, it's him and I."

The lyrical narrative explicitly frames their relationship as a modern-day incarnation of the infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. This comparison serves as the primary metaphor for their love: rebellious, dangerous, and inseparable, even unto death. Lines like "2017 Bonnie and Clyde" and "Wouldn't see the point of living on if one of us died" highlight a love that is both fiercely devoted and potentially self-destructive. The song explores the idea that their love thrives in chaos, rejecting a mundane existence for a shared madness.

Furthermore, "Him & I" delves into the codependency of a relationship lived in the fast lane. They are partners in every sense, sharing not just love but also a reckless lifestyle, as admitted in lyrics like, "We do drugs together, fuck up clubs together." This shared experience solidifies their bond, making them incomprehensible to outsiders but perfectly matched to one another. The song is a declaration that their love is the ultimate truth, a force for which they would do anything, transcending judgment and societal norms.

The song chronicles a deeply passionate, all-or-nothing love affair, framed as a modern-day outlaw romance. It opens with a solemn vow of unwavering loyalty, a pledge of absolute truthfulness between two lovers. Halsey's chorus establishes the core theme: a shared, symbiotic madness and an unbreakable bond. She declares her allegiance, stating that no matter how wild or out of control they may seem to the outside world, their destiny is intertwined—in the end, it's just 'him and I'.

G-Eazy's first verse immediately grounds this romance in a specific, rebellious context, famously branding them the “2017 Bonnie and Clyde.” He paints a picture of a fast-paced, glamorous, and dangerous lifestyle, driving a vintage car down the Pacific Coast Highway. There's a clear sense of them against the world, with outsiders wishing for their downfall. He describes a love so profound that life would be pointless if one were to die. The verse also touches on their shared style and intense physical chemistry, alluding to luxury brands like YSL and the intimate moments they share. He hints at a possessive, fiery passion, suggesting his partner's extreme reaction if he were ever unfaithful, yet he frames this intensity as an integral part of their love.

The narrative continues by exploring the couple's codependence through both highs and lows. They embrace their shared recklessness, admitting to doing drugs and disrupting clubs together. This isn't a relationship where one partner tolerates the other's flaws; they actively participate in the chaos as a unit. G-Eazy describes his partner as his ultimate confidante and soldier, someone who is fiercely protective and composed under pressure. He emphasizes her unwavering loyalty, stating she would never be with another man and would ride with him until the very end. The lyrics suggest a deep, almost psychic connection, where she can sense his emotional state without words.

This ride-or-die mentality escalates to its ultimate conclusion in the final affirmations. The vows of loyalty are repeated with even greater intensity, with G-Eazy declaring he would not only die with her but would even take a life for her. This dark promise solidifies the 'us against the world' theme, portraying a love that operates outside conventional moral boundaries. Their bond is presented as the only stable element in a life of fame, wealth, and chaos. The recurring chorus reinforces that despite their individual craziness, they find their sanity and purpose in each other, sealing their fate as a singular entity against all odds.

"Him & I" was written and recorded during the period when G-Eazy (Gerald Gillum) and Halsey (Ashley Frangipane) were in a public and intense romantic relationship. The song was released on November 30, 2017, as the second single from G-Eazy's third studio album, The Beautiful & Damned. The track was co-written by the performers themselves along with Edgar Machuca, Jim Lavigne, Dakarai Gwitira, Madison Love, and the production duo The Futuristics (Joe Khajadourian and Alexander Schwartz), who also produced the track.

The creation was highly personal, with both artists emphasizing its authenticity. Halsey stated the song was not "two artists pretending to be something they're not for the sake of a story," but rather a record about their real lives. G-Eazy described it as a "Bonnie and Clyde song," born from a genuine and authentic place where their creative and personal chemistry clicked. He felt it was crucial to have her on the album to honestly explore how their love fit into their chaotic lifestyles.

The song was first performed live as a surprise on August 30, 2017, in New Orleans during G-Eazy's Bud Light's Dive Bar Tour, where Halsey joined him on stage, confirming their relationship with a kiss. There are unsubstantiated online rumors that the song was initially conceived while G-Eazy was dating Lana Del Rey, though the final version's background vocals are credited to Madison Love. The production duo The Futuristics later detailed the musical creation, highlighting the use of a Nord synth, Omnisphere bells, and a distinctively "swung" kick drum pattern that was meticulously nudged to create the song's unique groove.

The rhythmic foundation of "Him & I" is a steady tempo of 88 beats per minute. A defining characteristic of its rhythm is the heavily "swung" kick drum pattern, which intentionally deviates from a rigid grid to create a relaxed yet driving groove. Producer Joe Khajadourian explained they spent significant time nudging a ghost kick to find the perfect pocket, which gives the track its signature lurching feel. This is contrasted with a straight, consistent hi-hat pattern, creating a subtle rhythmic tension. G-Eazy's rap verses often follow this swaggering beat, with his cadence aligning with the off-kilter rhythm.

The rhyme scheme in G-Eazy's verses is relatively complex, utilizing a mix of perfect rhymes (divide/Clyde/died, off/slip off), internal rhymes, and assonance to maintain flow. For example, in "My '65 speeding up the PCH, a hell of a ride / They don't wanna see us make it, they just wanna divide," the end rhymes are clear. Halsey's chorus is simpler and more memorable, following a loose AABB pattern: "die/lie" and "try/I," followed by "mind/kind" and "mine/I." This makes the hook incredibly catchy and anthemic, contrasting with the more narrative-driven verses.

Musically, "Him & I" is a blend of hip-hop and dark electropop, creating a cinematic and atmospheric soundscape. The production, handled by The Futuristics, is notable for its rhythmic complexity. They employed a very "swung" kick drum pattern, with a ghost kick deliberately placed off-grid to create a unique, lurching groove that contrasts with a straight hi-hat pattern. This rhythmic tension mirrors the lyrical themes of chaos and intensity. The instrumentation includes a Nord synth, Omnisphere bells for texture, and layered guitars (both eighth-note progressions and long strums) that build the song's dramatic feel.

Literarily, the song relies heavily on a collaborative narrative voice. G-Eazy's rap verses provide the gritty, narrative details of their outlaw lifestyle, while Halsey's powerful, soaring chorus delivers the emotional, anthemic core of their devotion. This call-and-response structure reinforces the idea of them as a unit, each telling a part of the same story. G-Eazy employs a confident, slightly defiant rap flow, while Halsey's vocal delivery is described as eerie and powerful, maintaining her distinct artistic identity while blending seamlessly with the track. The direct lyrical reference to "2017 Bonnie and Clyde" serves as a central metaphor that defines the entire song's ethos.

"Him & I" achieved significant commercial success and cultural resonance, largely fueled by the public's fascination with G-Eazy and Halsey's real-life relationship. The song became a major chart hit, peaking at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number one on the Mainstream Top 40 chart. It also performed well internationally, reaching the top 10 in countries like Australia and Switzerland and the top 25 in the UK. The song was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA in the United States.

The duo performed the song on several high-profile television shows, including Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Good Morning America, and Saturday Night Live, further cementing its place in the pop culture landscape of late 2017 and early 2018. The song's "ride or die" theme resonated with many fans, making it a popular anthem for couples and a staple on "cuffing season" playlists. The music video, a lo-fi, intimate portrayal of the couple in New York City, also garnered significant attention for its raw and authentic feel. The song stands as a prominent document of G-Eazy and Halsey's relationship and a successful example of a musical collaboration that mirrors a real-life love story.

The most dominant symbolism in "Him & I" is the explicit comparison of the central couple to Bonnie and Clyde. This isn't just a casual reference; it's the foundational metaphor for the entire relationship depicted in the song. By invoking the infamous criminal lovers, G-Eazy and Halsey frame their romance as one of outlaw partnership, intense loyalty, and a shared fate outside the bounds of conventional society. It signifies a love that is thrilling, dangerous, and prepared for a dramatic end, captured in lines like, "We turn up, mobbin' 'til the end of time."

The phrase "Cross my heart, hope to die", which opens the chorus, is another significant element. Traditionally a childish oath, its use here elevates the promise of fidelity to a matter of life and death, reinforcing the gravity of their commitment. It's a vow of absolute truth and loyalty to each other, set against a world they perceive as divisive.

Lyrical imagery of a shared, chaotic lifestyle—"fuck up clubs together," "we'd both go crazy if we was to sever"—symbolizes their codependence. Their love isn't just an emotional connection; it's a shared identity forged in a whirlwind of fame and rebellion. Their madness is not a flaw but a shared space where their bond thrives, making them an exclusive unit: an "audience of two," as quoted from F. Scott Fitzgerald in the music video.

The most significant recurring motif is the phrase "In the end, it's him and I." This line serves as the song's central thesis, appearing at the end of each chorus. Its repetition hammers home the core theme of an unbreakable, exclusive bond that supersedes all external forces and internal chaos. It's the ultimate declaration of their unity.

The lyrical motif of "Cross my heart, hope to die" is another crucial recurring element. It acts as a solemn oath that frames the chorus, establishing the life-or-death stakes of their loyalty and honesty towards one another. This phrase transforms a childhood promise into a powerful, adult commitment.

The "Bonnie and Clyde" reference is a recurring theme that defines the song's entire narrative and rebellious spirit. First stated explicitly by G-Eazy ("2017 Bonnie and Clyde"), the idea is echoed in other lines about being partners-in-crime and riding together "'til the end of time," creating a consistent outlaw image throughout the track.

Finally, the concept of a "crazy kind" of love is a recurring emotional motif. It's mentioned in the chorus and reinforced through descriptions of their volatile, intense, and codependent behavior, suggesting that their unique brand of madness is what makes their love work.