For My Sunday Song #368, we are on Morgan’s 8th Choice and this time around it is The Weeknd’s song “Die For You” off his 2016 album ‘Starboy’. The song was a single and did fairly well, but in 2022 there was a resurgence on the popularity of this song thanks again to the wonderful social media tool, TikTok (that “wonderful” is very sarcastic btw). The song went all the way to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 six years after its original release. And the Weeknd is not stupid and took advantage of that popularity by releasing an new mix of the song with Ariana Grande. The version we will discuss is not that one. The song was written by an army of writers. Yes, because a good song needs 7 writers and they are the Weeknd,  Doc McKinney,  Cirkut, Prince 85, Cashmere Cat, Dylan Wiggins, and Billy Walsh.

The song was actually the last song written for the album and was apparently hard to finish and that might explain why there are so many writers…and yes, that does bother me. The song is apparently about a former girlfriend (rumored to be Bella Hadid) and their breakup. Although their relationship has ended, he still lovers her and would do anything for her, even die for her. It was hard for him to get over her and there was a lot of frustration and pain over the break up. I think it is a great little love letter for her to let her know he still cares and although they aren’t meant to be together, they are connected as he will always care for her.

The song is a ballad and there is a lot of pain and heartbreak in it and The Weeknd really comes across vocally with that emotion. The music is all electronic, the bass, the drums and the keys, but there is a really nice groove to hit and it gets my head bobbing back and forth. The chorus has a big payoff and is really catchy. The music is amped up, a little heavier and it s really a great beat. He sings at such a high register, it almost feels a lot like Michael Jackson and that is saying something. The song sticks with me long after I have listened to it.

Give the song a listen and let me know what you think. I actually like The Weeknd’s voice and his songs are pretty catchy and I think there is some talent there for sure. It is one of the few artists my kids have introduced me to that I enjoy listening to with them. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful and Happy Sunday!

“Die For You”

I’m findin’ ways to articulate the feelin’ I’m goin’ through
I just can’t say I don’t love you (Yeah)
‘Cause I love you, yeah
It’s hard for me to communicate the thoughts that I hold
But tonight, I’m gon’ let you know
Let me tell the truth
Baby, let me tell the truth, yeah

You know what I’m thinkin’, see it in your eyes
You hate that you want me, hate it when you cry
You’re scared to be lonely, ‘specially in the night
I’m scared that I’ll miss you, happens every time
I don’t want this feelin’, I can’t afford love
I try to find a reason to pull us apart
It ain’t workin’ ’cause you’re perfect
And I know that you’re worth it
I can’t walk away, oh

Even though we’re goin’ through it
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It’ll never change my mind ’cause
Baby, I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah (Say)

I’m findin’ ways to manipulate the feelin’ you’re goin’ through
But, baby girl, I’m not blamin’ you
Just don’t blame me, too, yeah
‘Cause I can’t take this pain forever
And you won’t find no one that’s better
‘Cause I’m right for you, babe
I think I’m right for you, babe

You know what I’m thinkin’, see it in your eyes
You hate that you want me, hate it when you cry
It ain’t workin’ ’cause you’re perfect
And I know that you’re worth it
I can’t walk away, oh

Even though we’re goin’ through it
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It’ll never change my mind ’cause
Baby, I would die for you, uh
Baby, I would die for you, yeah

I would die for you, I would lie for you
Keep it real with you, I would kill for you, my baby
I’m just sayin’, yeah
I would die for you, I would lie for you
Keep it real with you, I would kill for you, my baby
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na

Even though we’re goin’ through it
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It’ll never change my mind ’cause
Baby, I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah (Oh, babe)

(Die for you)

Writer(s): Abel Tesfaye, Magnus August Hoiberg, Dylan Wiggins, M. Rhars, William Walsh, Martin McKinney