H.A.T.E.U.

This exploration of the emotional pain involved where lovers are being torn apart is one of many tracks on Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel with the theme of heartbreak and/or betrayal. Carey has stressed in interviews that the songs have nothing to do with her husband Nick Cannon but instead hark back to when she was younger or are inspired by stories told in movies and by friends.

This was the first song that Carey wrote for the album.

The initials in the song title stand for "Having A Typical Emotional Upset."