Killing Me

Album: Found Heaven (2023)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Conan Gray paints a vivid picture of a 2 a.m. call from a troublesome ex. He reluctantly welcomes this toxic love interest back into his life, but by the bridge, Gray finds himself trapped in a nightmarish cycle of ecstasy and heartbreak.

    I wanna die, but you keep me alive
    You're killing me, you're killing me
  • Musically, the song lures you in with the promise of a piano ballad. The pre-chorus quickens the pace, as Gray admits his lack of control. By the time the chorus hits, "Killing Me" transforms into a full-blown dance-floor thumper, its contagious beat contradicting Gray's inner turmoil.
  • Gray wrote "Killing Me" when he was sick with the flu. "It was a miserable time where I was both physically sick, but also super heartbroken over somebody," Gray revealed. "Hence, 'you're KILLING me.' I think we all have those people who don't treat us nearly well enough, but we just can't seem to let them go. People who call you at 2 a.m., and who you know you shouldn't pick up... but you do. Killing Me is for when you're on your last limb, begging this person to just please stop torturing your heart."
  • Gray co-wrote "Killing Me" with Swedish pop mastermind Max Martin and his co-writing and production partner, Oscar Holter. Martin and Holter's partnership has given rise to many of The Weeknd's hits, including "Blinding Lights," "In Your Eyes," "Save Your Tears" and "Take My Breath."

    They previously linked up with Gray on his "Never Ending Song" single.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.