There is really very little to say about this music video because it is outright bizarre. The video jumps through hoops and loops and scambles our heads. It would be better to see it for yourself.
“It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” appears in The 1975’s latest album ‘A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships’ released on November 20, 2018. We have already seen his breakout single and video “Sincerity Is Scary” from the album. Coincidentally enough, this music video jumps to the set of recording the video for “Sincerity Is Scary” behind the scenes. Yes, there are two Matt Healey’s throughout the music video.
“It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” is a song about heroin addiction. The 1975’s lead vocalist, Matt Healey has been in rehab due to his heroin addiction in 2017. He spoke with The Guardian and said this song is “the big heroin one.”
Since the song is based on heroin, we can attempt to make sense of the weird illusions as an experience of drug abuse.
Watch “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” Music Video
The music video carries a bizarre creepy undertone as well. At the very beginning, we see an episode from a horror movie, as Matt stands in front of a mirror and his reflection coughs in the mirror. Matt and we both freak out. There on, the music video is a constant charade of unexplainable events. We see instances where Matt loses his lips, his knees getting worn out, instant combustion, he gets hanged and even his band members and backup singers get stuck in slow-mo.
Refreshing was the plug of “Sincerity Is Scary” music video recording session. We see Matt Healy getting a behind-the-scenes look at himself performing “Sincerity Is Scary” surrounded by the recording crew. Matt stays out of sight of everybody as he is confused as to what is going on.
Then he wakes up, again!
“It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” is directed by Warren Fu and takes the concept of reality and bends and twists it to unforeseen dimensions. Maybe, this is what a person would experience under the influence of drugs. Maybe this is what a drug-infused mind makes your reality seem to be. Or, maybe this is just an attempt at a creative work of art.
We would love to hear your opinion on this brand new music video by The 1975. Leave your thoughts on what is going on in this video and what you think it means, in the comments below.
Full Lyrics to “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” by The 1975