Ever the generous pop star, Halsey took some time in between her extensive Hopeless Fountain Kingdom tour to treat fans to a new single. The alt-pop idol unveiled the devastating kiss-off “Without Me” on Beats 1 Radio with Zane Lowe today (Oct. 4).
“Questioning your purpose and your effort in a relationship can be confusing and draining,” Halsey explained to Lowe, “But it’s important to self-reflect and know your worth and value.”
“Without Me” dives deep into the regret that Halsey felt after the demise of a relationship — ostensibly with Bay Area rapper G-Eazy. The couple has since gotten back together.
The song quotes the pre-chorus from Justin Timberlake’s classic “Cry Me A River,” and offers a haze of hi-hats and watery reverb. “Does it ever get lonely/Thinking you could live without me?” Halsey sings.
The recording process for the track, she admitted on Twitter, was very emotional for the singer. “I cried the whole time I recorded it,” Halsey tweeted moments after “Without Me” was officially released. “But now I feel proud. And empowered.”
Listen to “Without Me” below: