Two weeks ago, Halsey revealed they’d be releasing the long-awaited solo version of “Die for Me,” Post Malone’s collaboration with her and Future. The singer-songwriter shared via Instagram, “it’s been long known in my fanbase that there’s a demo of ‘Die for Me’ with just me on it. I performed my verse on the [Love and Power] tour all summer long, and since so many people have asked for it, I decided to put my full version out as ‘Die 4 Me.’”
Malone’s track came out on September 2019, and it’s about his relationships with untrustworthy women. Meanwhile, in “Die 4 Me,” Halsey reflects on her high-profile relationship with a famous rapper, who was also treacherous. Overall, the lyrics depict a deceitful partner who gaslights and makes promises he’ll never fulfill.
Halsey’s songwriting shines as always, and their version is arguably better than the original. One of the most popular lyrics in the original song references Halsey’s biggest hit, 2018’s “Without Me,” which is directed at the same person “Die 4 Me” is about. The original lyric was “I sold fifteen million copies of our break-up note,” whilst the new version goes “I sold forty million copies of our break-up note.” This update is a clever way to show that no matter what Halsey’s previous partner made them endure, she came out of it stronger and more successful than ever.
Recently, “Without Me” became the 100th diamond-certified song by the RIAA. It’s Halsey’s second tune to achieve this — the first one being “Closer,” their 2016 collab with The Chainsmokers —, but her first solo song to do so.
Singing over a trap beat, Halsey shows how versatile an artist they are. She’s explored more genres than most pop stars. From country vibes on their hit “You Should Be Sad” to her heaviest song “Experiment on Me” and their Nine Inch Nails-produced album If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, Halsey demonstrates she doesn’t want to be put in a box, and they’re committed to staying true to themself. Check out the visualizer for “Die 4 Me” below, and don’t forget to stream the song.
