Are You Even Real
by Teddy Swims (featuring Giveon)

Album: I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2) (2025)
Charted: 59
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Are You Even Real" is a smooth, silky exploration of love and disbelief. Teddy Swims and Giveon wonder aloud whether their perfect lover is too good to be true - a dream they might wake up from at any moment. The track waltzes between Swims' heartfelt croon and Giveon's deep, resonant flourishes, weaving them together in the back half with intricate harmonies.
  • The song's inspiration is no mystery: Swims' girlfriend, Raiche Wright, a singer-songwriter from Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Their romance began making headlines after they were spotted together at a Grammys afterparty in February 2024. They later commemorated their bond with matching tattoos.

    Swims gushed, "I'm in love with a perfect woman, and I'm so lucky that sometimes it feels too good to be true."
  • Swims and Giveon co-wrote the song alongside a small army of contributors: Sarah "Solly" Solovay, Sean Kennedy, TaeJaun Ellis, Peter Thomas, Jaten Dimsdale, Abby Keen, and Lawson.
  • Peter Thomas and Julian Bunetta brought the steady, rhythmic R&B groove anchoring the song to life. Bunetta, a former One Direction producer, has become something of a secret weapon for Swims, lending his magic to several of his singles, including "Lose Control," "The Door" and "Bad Dreams."
  • Swims released "Are You Even Real" as the second single from I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2). While the first part, I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 1), is rooted in heartbreak and turmoil, the follow-up celebrates healing, newfound love, and even the anticipation of becoming a father. Swims shared his excitement, telling the Today Show Australia he hopes listeners find inspiration in the idea that "on the other side of heartbreak, there's just so much good love and support waiting."
  • The collaboration between Teddy Swims and Giveon came about from a random encounter outside a VMAs afterparty. Giveon hadn't even attended the award show; he just showed up for the party. As he was walking in, Swims was leaving. They connected as mutual fans and agreed to work together right there on the sidewalk. Within a week, Giveon got a track from his team, realized it was the one from Teddy, and rushed to text Teddy before even responding to his label.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

The End Of The Rock Era

The End Of The Rock EraSong Writing

There are no more rock stars - the last one died in 1994.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.