Privilege

Album: My Dear Melancholy (2018)
Charted: 52
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, The Weeknd seemingly croons about his breaking up with Selena Gomez as he addresses the singer's struggles with Lupus during their relationship.

    And I don't wanna hear that you are suffering
    You are suffering no more
    'Cause I held you down when you were suffering


    Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd's real name) was a support to Gomez during her ordeal which included a lifesaving kidney transplant.
  • The Weeknd references during the chorus and the bridge The Matrix scene when Neo has the choice of taking a red or blue pill from Morpheus. The "red pill" is facing reality and the "blue pill" is living in blissful ignorance.

    And I'ma f--k the pain away, and I know I'll be okay
    They said our love is just a game, I don't care what they say
    But I'ma drink the pain away, I'll be back to my old ways
    And I got two red pills to take the blues away, oh


    The Weeknd flips the Matrix reference into a line about medicating himself by means of drink and sex in order to escape the reality of his heartbreak.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.