The Meaning Behind The Song: I Was Never There by The Weeknd (featuring Gesaffelstein)

The Weeknd has carved a niche for himself in the music industry, and his songs are often autobiographical. His hit song “I Was Never There,” featuring Gesaffelstein, is no different. The song explores themes such as love, loneliness, and self-discovery. The haunting melody and subdued vocals add to the melancholy vibe of the song. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the lyrics of “I Was Never There.”

Table of Contents

The Lyrics

Verse 1:
“What makes a grown man wanna cry?
(Cry, cry, cry)
(Cry, cry, cry)
What makes him wanna take his life?
(Yeah)
His happiness is never real
And mindless sex is how he feels”

The opening verse of “I Was Never There” highlights the singer’s inner turmoil. He is questioning what causes a man to break down and lose control over his emotions. He talks about how meaningless sex is the only way he can cope with his loneliness.

Verse 2:
“I wasn’t there for you
I know I said we’d never do this again
But I’m sorry
That was then and this is now
I’ll make it up to you somehow”

In the second verse, The Weeknd acknowledges his failings as a partner. He admits that he wasn’t there for his lover when she needed him the most. He is looking to make amends and promises to make up for his mistakes.

Chorus:
“Cause I was never there
I was never there
But you were always there
You were always there
(x2)”

The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase “I was never there”, but with an added layer of emotion. The Weeknd is lamenting his absence from his lover’s life. He realizes that his lover was the one constant presence in his life, but he was never there for her.

The Meaning

“I Was Never There” is a haunting song that explores the inner turmoil of The Weeknd. The lyrics paint a picture of a lonely man who struggles with his emotions and relationships. The song is an admission of guilt, as The Weeknd realizes that his inability to be emotionally available is what destroyed his relationships.

The song talks about how mindless sex is a coping mechanism for the singer. He is unable to form genuine connections with others, which leads to loneliness and despair. The Weeknd acknowledges that he wasn’t there for his lover when she needed him the most. He is looking to make amends and promises to make up for his mistakes.

At its core, “I Was Never There” is a song about love and loss. It is about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The song is a reminder that even the most successful and famous people go through trials and tribulations. It is essential to seek love and human connections to find true happiness.

The Music Video

The music video for “I Was Never There” is a visual representation of the song’s lyrics. The video is directed by Frank Miller, who is famous for his work on “Sin City” and “The Dark Knight Returns.” The black and white video features The Weeknd and Gesaffelstein taking a surreal journey through a dystopian city.

The video is a metaphor for The Weeknd’s emotional journey. It shows him navigating through a world of darkness and despair, trying to find his way back to love and happiness. The video’s imagery is eerily haunting, which adds to the melancholy vibe of the song.

The Collaborator

Gesaffelstein is a French DJ and producer who has collaborated with many famous artists, including Daft Punk, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams. He is known for his unique sound, which combines elements of techno, industrial, and electronic music.

Gesaffelstein’s signature sound adds a layer of darkness and depth to “I Was Never There.” The song’s production is eerie and haunting, which underscores the singer’s sense of loneliness and despair.

FAQs

What inspired The Weeknd to write “I Was Never There?”

The Weeknd has always been open about his struggles with depression and loneliness. He has admitted that many of his songs are autobiographical and explore his innermost thoughts and emotions. “I Was Never There” is a reflection of his own struggles with self-discovery and emotional disconnect.

What does the phrase “I Was Never There” mean?

“I Was Never There” is a phrase used to express regret and missed opportunities. The Weeknd uses the phrase to describe his absence from his lover’s life. He realizes that he was not emotionally present, which caused him to forfeit the love and companionship he desperately craved.

How did Gesaffelstein contribute to the song?

Gesaffelstein’s signature sound adds a layer of darkness and depth to “I Was Never There.” His unique production helps underscore the singer’s sense of loneliness and despair. His contribution to the song helped create the haunting and melancholy vibe that the song is known for.

What are some other songs by The Weeknd that explore similar themes?

Many of The Weeknd’s songs explore themes of self-discovery, relationships, and loneliness. Some of his other popular songs that explore similar themes include “Call Out My Name,” “Die For You,” and “Wasted Times.”

What do critics think of “I Was Never There”?

“I Was Never There” received critical acclaim upon its release. The haunting melody, subdued vocals, and Gesaffelstein’s production were praised for creating an emotional and melancholy atmosphere. Critics also lauded The Weeknd’s willingness to open up about his struggles with loneliness and self-discovery.

What is The Weeknd’s creative process?

The Weeknd has spoken about his creative process in interviews. He often draws inspiration from his own life experiences and struggles. He collaborates with other artists, such as Gesaffelstein, to create unique sounds and lyrics. The Weeknd believes that his ability to be vulnerable and honest in his music is what sets him apart from other artists.

How do fans of The Weeknd relate to “I Was Never There?”

Many fans of The Weeknd have expressed how they relate to “I Was Never There.” They find comfort in the singer’s ability to articulate his struggles with emotions and love. Fans often find solace in the relatability of the song and the emotions it evokes.

What is the significance of the music video?

The music video for “I Was Never There” is a visual representation of the song’s themes and lyrics. The black and white imagery and surreal settings add to the song’s haunting and melancholy vibe. The video’s significance lies in its ability to convey the song’s emotions and themes in a visual format.

What are some other popular songs by Gesaffelstein?

Gesaffelstein has collaborated with many famous artists and has released several popular songs of his own. Some of his other popular songs include “Pursuit,” “Hellifornia,” and “OPR.”

What role does “mindless sex” play in the song?

The Weeknd talks about “mindless sex” in the song and how it is a coping mechanism for him. Sex is a way for him to block out his emotions and feelings of loneliness. However, he realizes that it is a temporary solution and that true happiness can only come from genuine human connections.

What is the meaning behind the video’s dystopian setting?

The video’s dystopian setting is a metaphor for The Weeknd’s emotional journey. The dark and barren city represents his loneliness and despair. The video shows him navigating through this world, searching for love and companionship, and finding his way back to happiness.

How did The Weeknd’s upbringing influence his music?

The Weeknd’s upbringing in Toronto, Canada, influenced much of his music. He grew up in a rough neighborhood and had to contend with crime and drug addiction. His music often reflects his own experiences with these issues and how they impacted his life.

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