The Weeknd is one of the most popular and influential artists of our time, known for his dark and moody songs that explore themes of love, lust, addiction, and pain.
But among his many hits, there is one that stands out as a beautiful and heartbreaking ode to his lover: Die For You.
Die For You is a track from his 2016 album Starboy, which was largely inspired by his on-and-off relationship with model Bella Hadid.
The song is a raw and honest confession of how much he loves her and how he would do anything for her, even die for her.
In this article, we will break down the lyrics of Die For You and see how The Weeknd uses different techniques and elements to make us feel his emotions and connect with his story.
We will also look at the background and inspiration behind the song and how it reflects his personal life and relationships.
Finally, we will see how the song has been received by critics and fans and what impact it has had on the music industry and culture.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Verse 1
The song starts with The Weeknd singing:
I’m findin’ ways to articulate The feeling I’m goin’ through I just can’t say I don’t love you ‘Cause I love you, yeah
Here, he is trying to find the right words to express his love for her. He can’t pretend that he doesn’t love her or lie to her, because he loves her with all his heart.
He uses rhyme and repetition to make his point and create a smooth flow.
He continues:
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
He admits that he has a hard time opening up and sharing his thoughts and feelings, but he decides to be honest with her and tell her the truth.
He repeats the phrase “let me tell the truth” twice, showing his urgency and sincerity. He also adds “yeah” at the end of each line, creating a casual and conversational tone.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Pre-Chorus
The pre-chorus builds up the suspense for the chorus, where he reveals his true feelings. He sings:
You know what I’m thinkin’ See it in your eyes You hate that you want me Hate it when you cry.
He implies that they have a strong bond and that she can read his mind. He also suggests that she has mixed feelings about him and their relationship.
She hates that she wants him because maybe she knows he is bad for her or that he has hurt her before. She hates it when she cries because maybe she feels vulnerable or weak in front of him.
He goes on:
You’re scared to be lonely ‘Specially in the night I’m scared that I’ll miss you Happens every time.
He reveals that they both have fears and insecurities. She is scared to be lonely, especially at night when she needs someone to hold her.
He is scared that he’ll miss her because he has fallen for her and can’t imagine life without her. He says that this happens every time, implying that they have broken up and gotten back together before.
He concludes:
I don’t wanna die alone Baby, you’re my home.
He expresses his fear of dying alone, without anyone by his side. He tells her that she is his home, meaning that she is the only person who makes him feel safe, comfortable, and loved.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Chorus
The chorus is the climax of the song, where he declares his love for her and how far he will go for her. He sings:
I would die for you baby I would die for you yeah I would die for you baby But you won’t do the same.
He repeats the phrase “I would die for you” three times, showing his dedication and sacrifice.
He says that he would give up his life for her, which is the ultimate expression of love. However, he adds a twist at the end: “But you won’t do the same.”
This implies that she doesn’t love him as much as he loves her or that she is not willing to make the same sacrifice for him.
This creates a contrast and a conflict between them, making the song more dramatic and intriguing.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Verse 2
The second verse continues the theme of communication and honesty. He sings:
No-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no Don’t lie to me baby No lie (no lie), no lie (no lie), no lie Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.
He starts the verse with a long string of “no”s, showing his frustration and disbelief.
He begs her not to lie to him because he values honesty and trust. He uses a lot of “yeahs, creating a rhythmic and catchy sound.
He continues:
You’ve been on my mind You’re my sunshine My only sunshine You make me happy When skies are grey You’ll never know, dear How much I love you So don’t take my sunshine away.
He switches to a softer and sweeter tone, telling her how much he thinks about her and how she brightens up his life.
He quotes the lyrics of the classic song “You Are My Sunshine“, which is a popular lullaby and love song.
He tells her that she makes him happy even when he is sad and that she doesn’t realise how much he loves her.
He pleads with her not to take his sunshine away, meaning not to leave him or break his heart.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Bridge
The bridge is the final part of the song, where he repeats the chorus with some variations. He sings:
I would die for you baby I would die for you baby I would die for you baby But you won’t do the same No you won’t do the same You wouldn’t do the same Ooh, you’ll never do the same No no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no.
He emphasises his willingness to die for her by repeating it four times, showing his desperation and devotion.
He also repeats that she won’t do the same, showing his disappointment and resentment.
He adds “ooh”, creating a sound of pain and sorrow. He ends the song with another long string of “no”s, showing his denial and despair.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Background and Inspiration
Die For You was released on November 25th, 2016 as part of The Weeknd’s third studio album, Starboy.
The album was a huge success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over six million copies worldwide.
The album also received critical acclaim, winning a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2018.
Die For You was one of the songs that The Weeknd wrote and produced with his longtime collaborators, Doc McKinney and Cirkut.
In an interview with Zane Lowe of Beats 1 Radio, The Weeknd said that Die For You was “the hardest to write” and “took forever to finish”, admitting that the lyrics were the most challenging part.
The Weeknd dated Bella Hadid from 2015 to 2019, and many fans believe that their relationship served as inspiration for Die For You.
The couple met at Coachella in 2015 and soon became one of the most famous celebrity couples in the world.
However, their relationship was also turbulent and complicated, as they had to deal with their busy schedules, fame, and rumours.
In November 2016, shortly before Starboy was released, The Weeknd and Hadid reportedly broke up due to their conflicting work commitments.
However, they remained friends, and they even performed together at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show later that month.
Many fans noticed that The Weeknd looked emotional while singing Die For You as Hadid walked down the runway.
In 2017, The Weeknd started dating singer Selena Gomez, while Hadid was linked to rapper Drake.
However, their relationships did not last long, and in 2018, The Weeknd and Hadid rekindled their romance.
They were seen together at various events and vacations and seemed happier than ever.
However, in August 2019, The Weeknd and Hadid broke up again for unknown reasons.
They have not been seen together since then, but they have reportedly remained in touch as friends.
In April 2020, The Weeknd released his fourth studio album After Hours, which featured songs that hinted at his feelings for Hadid, such as Heartless, Blinding Lights, and Save Your Tears.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Reception and Impact
Die For You received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised The Weeknd’s vocals, lyrics, and production.
The song was also a commercial success, peaking at number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 18 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The song also charted in several other countries, such as Canada, Australia, France, and the UK.
Die For You has been recognised as one of The Weeknd’s best and most emotional songs and a highlight of his Starboy album.
The song has also been nominated for several awards, such as the iHeartRadio Music Award for Best R&B Song of the Year in 2018 and the Juno Award for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year in 2019.
Die For You has also inspired many other artists to cover or remix the song, such as Ariana Grande, who collaborated with The Weeknd on a remix of Die For You in 2023.
The remix added Grande’s vocals to the chorus and bridge, creating a duet between the two singers.
The remix also changed some of the lyrics and added some new ones.
Die For You has also influenced the music industry and culture, as it has become a popular song for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions.
The song has also been used in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, such as Fifty Shades Freed, Grey’s Anatomy, and Apple Music.
The Weeknd’s Die For You Lyrics: Conclusion
The Weeknd’s Die For You is a powerful and emotional song that explores the theme of unconditional love and sacrifice.
The lyrics are rich in literary devices and musical elements that create a captivating and memorable song.
The song also reveals a lot about The Weeknd’s personal life and relationship with Bella Hadid, making it more relatable and authentic.
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The Weeknd Die For You Lyrics
Verse 1
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
Pre-Chorus
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
Chorus
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)
Verse 2
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
Pre-Chorus
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
Chorus
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
Bridge
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
Chorus
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)
