Miley Cyrus's "Angels Like You" from her album "Plastic Hearts" stands as a poignant exploration into the intricacies of relationships and the singer's personal introspection. The track is a candid reflection of Miley's recognition of her own flaws and their impact on her romantic relationships. The lyrics resonate with a sense of self-awareness and remorse, highlighting her tendencies to disrupt relationship dynamics.
In this song, Cyrus portrays herself as someone grappling with the challenges of sustaining long-term relationships. She admits that her reluctance to embrace permanence in relationships often leads to their demise. This underlying theme is especially palpable in the chorus, where she conveys the inevitability of her actions leading to hurtful outcomes for her partners.
The title, "Angels Like You," implies Cyrus's view of her partner as someone inherently virtuous, possibly too virtuous for her. This notion is articulated through the depiction of the partner as an 'angel', symbolizing their purity and benevolence. Cyrus perceives this person as too compassionate and innocent to be subjected to the potential hurt that a relationship with her might entail.
In an insightful interview with Zane Lowe, Miley Cyrus elaborated on the song, expressing that it contains elements of remorse and self-reflection. She acknowledges the seeming compatibility with her partner on paper, yet understands that fundamentally, they are not suited for each other. This realization of incompatibility, combined with her acknowledgment of a chaotic nature in relationships, adds a profound depth to the song's meaning.
Speculations abound regarding the inspiration behind "Angels Like You." While some theories suggest links to Cyrus's past relationships with figures like Liam Hemsworth or Kaitlynn Carter, the lyrics possess a universality that could align with various experiences in her personal life. Each verse and the chorus build upon the narrative of self-recognition and the impact of one's flaws on relationships.
Notably, "Angels Like You" has also garnered attention for its role in promoting COVID-19 vaccination, as depicted in its music video directed by Cyrus. The track's emotional richness and introspective quality mark it as a standout piece in Miley Cyrus's body of work, reflecting her evolution and maturity as an artist and individual​.
