On “Blinding Lights,” the second single to The Weeknd’s fourth studio album, Abel speaks on his significant other, comparing the effect they have on him to them lighting up his life. The song is an up-tempo electropop track that features large 80s-inspired synths and electronic dance music drums, similar to the sonic direction of his November 2016 album, ‘Starboy.’
On November 24, 2019, the track was premiered in the trailer for a Mercedes Benz TV advert, before officially releasing five days later. It follows the lead single “Heartless,” which released two days prior.
The single leaked a few days prior to the official release. The Weeknd confirmed the leak and announced new music coming up; “oh yah… and more new music tonight (in HQ😉).”
Listen to the track below.
In the first verse of the song, Abel talks about his longing for a relationship, although the first single “Heartless,” opposes this idea. In these lyrics, however, he confesses that he has been having his doubts about being able to love again. But he believes that this new girl will be able to fix her.
The meaning behind the lyrics seem to address The Weeknd’s relationship with his current girlfriend Bella Hadid. The two got together after Abel’s relationship with Selena Gomez, in 2015. After a several breakups and makeups, Abel and Bella broke up again in August 2019, and got back together in October same year.
In the pre-chorus of the song, Abel talks about ‘Sin City,’ a reference to the city of Las Vegas. It is known as the city of ‘sins’ due to its affiliations with gambling, drugs and sex. The singer says he prefers the emptiness of this place since he won’t be judged for the sins he would commit.
The chorus speaks about how Abel was blinded by the ‘lights’ AKA fame this far. These ‘blinding lights” may have included overnight affairs with women, drugs and booze. Now that he is seeing a better version of the reality, he wishes for someone who can help him put the ‘starboy’ life behind.
In the second verse of “Blinding Lights,” Abel sings that he is running out of time for love. However, the Canadian singer is merely 29-years-old in 2019. He speaks of seeing ‘sun light’ up in the sky which could be a reference to ‘seeing the light’ in a sense that he is seeing the end of his time. It could also speak of a rather literal sense meaning to dawning of the day and he is running out of time to be with his girlfriend.
Abel has confessed his love for speed driving on various songs. In these lyrics, Abel says he races the vehicle on overdrive.
In the bridge of the song, The Weeknd talks about his relationship with Bella Hadid. He know that there has been too many breakups in his relationship with the model girlfriend. So he promises himself that he is not letting her go again.
What do you think about this song about Abel and Bella Hadid’s relationship? Let us know in the comments below.
Update:
The Weeknd premiered the music video for “Blinding Lights” featuring the model Moza Kaliza on January 21, 2019.