Lady Gaga Almost Scrapped “How Bad Do U Want Me” From ‘Mayhem’
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Lady-Gaga-and-Michael-Polansky-Venice-International-Film-Festival-090524-2-7c554e439f16485e876e06655d427c7f.jpg)
Lady Gaga recently shared a surprising revelation about one of the tracks from her latest album, “Mayhem.” The 14-time Grammy winner admitted that she had considered cutting the fan-favorite song, “How Bad Do U Want Me,” from the album until her fiancé, Michael Polansky, intervened.

During an episode of Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, Gaga, 38, opened up about her hesitation regarding the track. She described “How Bad Do U Want Me” as a synth-heavy, hyper-pop song that almost didn’t make the final cut.

The song’s creation process began at home, with Gaga starting it before Polansky joined in. When Polansky heard her singing, he jokingly asked if the song was about him. Gaga explained that they worked on the song together, capturing a feeling she had experienced throughout her life.
Gaga delved into the theme of the song, expressing her struggle with being perceived as a “bad girl” and feeling a sense of shame. She confessed to feeling like a deviation from the idealized “good girl” that others might desire, a sentiment reflected in the song’s lyrics.
Although Gaga was uncertain about including “How Bad Do U Want Me” on the album due to its pop sound, Polansky encouraged her to keep it. Reflecting on past experiences, Gaga mentioned how she had initially doubted the success of her hit song “Just Dance” but decided to trust her instincts, a decision that paid off.
In a recent performance on SNL, Gaga showcased songs from “Mayhem,” highlighting the album’s dark pop essence. She described the album as a celebration of the music that played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic identity, incorporating elements from her earlier works into a genre-bending masterpiece.
Gaga’s candid insights into the creative process and personal struggles behind “How Bad Do U Want Me” offer fans a deeper appreciation for the song and its significance. The dynamic exchange between Gaga and Polansky serves as a testament to the supportive partnership between the couple.
As “Mayhem” continues to captivate listeners with its eclectic mix of musical genres and introspective themes, Gaga’s willingness to push boundaries and embrace her artistic vision shines through in each track. The inclusion of “How Bad Do U Want Me” stands as a testament to her growth as an artist and her commitment to authenticity in her music.
In a music industry that often favours conformity over innovation, Gaga’s bold decision to retain the track on the album underscores her unwavering dedication to her craft. As fans eagerly embrace the eclectic sounds of “Mayhem,” Gaga’s artistic evolution continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
