Halsey speaks of “Roman Holiday” as a nostalgic, autobiographical song motivated lyrically by the film of the same name, as it essentially parallels how she reflected upon her real life. She also mentioned having been “sonically influenced” by the 1985 film The Breakfast Club.
[It’s about] escaping...
[Verse 1]
Do you remember the taste of my lips that night
I stole a bit of my mother's perfume?
'Cause I remember when my father put his fist through the wall
That separated the dining room
And I remember the fear in your eyes
The very first time we snuck into the city pool
Late December, with my heart in my chest
And the clouds of my breath
Didn't know where we were running to
But don't look back
[Chorus]
Oh, we'll be looking for sunlight, or the headlights
'Til our wide eyes burn blind
We'll be lacing the same shoes that we've worn through
To the bottom of the line
And we know that we're headstrong
And our heart's gone
And the timing's never right
But for now let's get away
On a Roman holiday
[Verse 2]
Could you imagine the taste of your lips if we never tried to kiss on the drive to Queens?
'Cause I imagine the weight of your ribs if you lied between my hips in the backseat
I imagine the tears in your eyes
The very first night I'll sleep without you
And when it happens I'll be miles away
And a few months late
Didn't know where I was running to
But I won't look back
[Chorus]
Oh, we'll be looking for sunlight, or the headlights
'Til our wide eyes burn blind
We'll be lacing the same shoes that we've worn through
To the bottom of the line
And we know that we're headstrong
And our heart's gone
And the timing's never right
So for now let's get away
On a Roman holiday
[Bridge]
Feet first, don't fall
Or we'll be running again
Keep close, stand tall
[Chorus]
Oh, we'll be looking for sunlight, or the headlights
'Til our wide eyes burn blind
We'll be lacing the same shoes that we've worn through
To the bottom of the line
And we know that we're headstrong
And our heart's gone
And the timing's never right
But for now let's get away
On a Roman holiday
Roman Holiday was written by Ryan McMahon & Halsey & Ben Berger & Ryan Rabin.
Roman Holiday was produced by Dylan William & Captain Cuts.
Halsey released Roman Holiday on Fri Aug 28 2015.
Yes, “Roman Holiday” was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 2nd, 2021.