"Die For You (Remix)" is a remix song by Canadian singer The Weeknd with American singer Ariana Grande.[1] It was released through Republic Records on February 24, 2023.[2][3][4] Before the remix with Ariana was released, the remix was originally featured to have SZA on The Weeknd’s third studio album, Starboy, but it was scrapped.
Background[]
Before the remix with Grande was released, the remix was originally planned to include and feature SZA. In November 2022, a SZA fan asked SZA on her Instagram about the Die For You remix, "SZA I know you don’t like rumors, can you clarify this for us??" SZA then replied—and deleted: "Lmao it’s super old but it does exist. I should re record it."[5]
Fans got hold of her verse and leaked it September 29, 2018, and it rapidly spread across the internet as fans loved the new edition of the track. Despite SZA’s deleting her comment, the Twitter account Pop Crave got a hold of it, which then made its way to The Weeknd. In a brief tweet, The Weeknd seemed happy at the idea of SZA re-recording her verse, he then tweeted out simply “yes please."[6]
While appearing on Z100 New York on December 7, 2022, SZA discussed the possibility of the "Die For You" remix coming out, she responded by saying, "We talked about it, it wouldn’t be really hard cause there’s a scaffolding of one that already exists so I need to just finish it… If he is on the deluxe of my album, I will turn in the "Die For You" verse."[7]
At the time of the remix's release, Grande was in the midst of filming for her highly anticipated role as Glinda in the upcoming epic musical fantasy film, Wicked. Furthermore, prior to the remix's release, Grande had taken a break from releasing new music.[8] Her most recent releases had been two Christmas-themed songs, "Santa, Can't You Hear Me" and "It Was A... (Masked Christmas)," both of which were both released in December 2021.[9]
On February 21, 2023, Grande shared a video on social media of her working on a remix of the 2016 hit.[10] The post included new lyrics from the verse Grande had written for the remix, she also gave fans a sneak peek into her creative writing process by sharing the video of her in her home studio working on the remix on her TikTok and Instagram.[11] She captioned the video by stating "Wrote and recorded a verse for my friend after a 14 hour day on set. This certain exception had to be made…."[12][13] The snippet was then reposted by The Weeknd.[14]
Republic Records, the label behind both artists, confirmed the collaboration by liking and replying to The Weeknd's comment on the video with a series of side-eye emojis, effectively hinting at the forthcoming release of the highly anticipated track.
On February 22, 2023, Grande took to Instagram and shared the cover art, officially confirming the release date of the remix on February 24, 2023.[15]
On February 25, 2023, the instrumental version of the remix was released exclusively through Tesfaye's and Grande's webstores.[16] On February 27th, 2023, the song was also released as a maxi-single along with the standard edition of the song, an instrumental, and sped up versions. On March 1, 2023, an additional acapella version of the song was released, exclusively through Tesfaye's and Grande's webstores,[17] along with Grande's YouTube channel.[18]
Audios[]
Composition[]
The song is composed in the key of C♯ Minor and has a tempo of 67 beats per minute (BPM).[19] Grande vocal range extends from the low note G♯3 to the high note C♯6.[20][better source needed]
Based on the lyrics, the song is about Tesfaye's deep love and devotion to someone, despite the challenges they are facing in their relationship. The lyrics acknowledges that communication can be difficult, but assures their partner that they love them and would do anything for them, even if it means sacrificing their own life.[21]
The lyrics also touch on feelings of loneliness and fear of missing the person they love, and the bridge suggests that the singer is willing to be truthful and honest with their partner, and they would even go to extreme lengths to protect and care for them..[22]
Lyrically, the main difference between the original version and the remix is the addition of Grande's verse and vocal harmonies. The overall theme of the song remains the same, with the lyrics expressing a deep love and willingness to make sacrifices for the other person. However, Ariana Grande's verse adds a new perspective to the song, with lyrics that suggest Grande is blaming Tesfaye for the feelings she has despite Abel hoping that she wouldn’t.[23] The standout line in the new verse is "I'm finding ways to stay concentrated on what I gotta do, but baby boy, it's so hard around you. And yes, I'm blaming you," and "“And you know I can’t fake it, now or never/And you’re insinuating that you think we might be better/ Better me and you.”[24]
Additionally, the remix features other slight variations in the lyrics and melody.
Critical reception[]
The remix's release was met with positive reviews from critics. Author Hattie Lindert from The A.V. Club, noted that Grande's added vocals it brings a new dimension to the song with the addition of The Weeknd's voice. The author comments on the harmonies between the two artists and how their voices complement each other. Additionally, the author quotes part of Grande's new verse, indicating that it is well-written and fits seamlessly into the song.[25] Author Adrianne Reece from Elite Daily also had positive things to say about the collaboration as she said in a statement that "It is undeniably the most R&B record The Weeknd has released in the last few years, so to hear Ariana — whose vocals were meant for the slow-burn genre — breathe new life to this production is iconic."[26]
Commercial performance[]
On its first day, the remix broke Spotify's record for the highest single-day streams for a remix, with 8.9 million.[27] Commercially, the remix peaked at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking the seventh Hot 100 number-one track each for The Weeknd and Grande, and her second collaboration to peak at number one after "Stuck With U".[28]
Video[]
A lyric video for the remix was released on February 24, 2023.[29] A audio visualizer video was released on February 25, 2023 on Grande's YouTube channel.[30] Lastly, an acapella video was released on March 2, 2023 on Grande's YouTube channel.[31]
Trivia[]
- The original remix featuring SZA premiered on the eighteenth episode of the Weeknd's Apple Music 1 radio show Memento Mori, on October 4, 2021, following a streaming surge the song received in September of that year.
- This is Grande's first song since "Santa, Can't You Hear Me." (released on December 9, 2021)
- The song makes The Weeknd Ariana's second collaborator with the most collaborations, the first being Nicki Minaj with six collaborations.
- The lyric video was made by artist and graphic designer Alex Siegel.
- Song received 5 nominations at Billboard Music Awards 2023 (in categories Top R&B Song, Top Radio Song, Top Collaboration, Top Billboard Global 200, Top Billboard Global 200 ex. U.S.)
- Commercially, the song peaked at the #1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on March 11, 2023, securing Grande and The Weekend their seventh #1 hit. In addition, this marks the duo's second collaboration to claim the top spot on the chart after the Save Your Tears (Remix).[32]
- The song marks the fourth collaboration between Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, following their successful duets "Love Me Harder" from Grande's sophomore album, My Everything (2014), and "Off The Table" from Grande's sixth studio album, Positions (2020). Additionally, the two artists previously collaborated on "Save Your Tears (Remix)," which was included on The Weeknd's After Hours (Deluxe) album. The original version of the song was released in 2016 as part of The Weeknd's critically acclaimed album, Starboy.[26]
- The remix, which was released nearly seven years after the original single, was propelled back into the spotlight by TikTok users who recently discovered and began streaming the track, ultimately landing it back in the Billboard Hot 100's top 10. In fact, the song gained even more momentum during the week of February 25, 2023, securing the 7th position on the chart.[1]
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1: The Weeknd]
I'm findin' ways to articulate the feelin' I'm goin' through
I just can't say I don't love you (Yeah)
'Cause I love you, yeah
It's hard for me to communicate the thoughts that I hold
But tonight, I'm gon' let you know
Let me tell the truth
Baby, let me tell the truth, yeah
[Pre-Chorus: The Weeknd]
You know what I'm thinkin', see it in your eyes
You hate that you want me, hate it when you cry
You're scared to be lonely, 'specially in the night
I'm scared that I'll miss you, happens every time
I don't want this feelin', I can't afford love
I try to find a reason to pull us apart
It ain't workin' 'cause you're perfect
And I know that you're worth it
I can't walk away, oh
[Chorus: Both, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd]
Even though we're goin' through it (Ah)
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you (Ooh, ooh)
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us (Distance and the time)
It'll never change my mind 'cause
Baby, I would die for you (I would die for you)
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
[Verse 2: Ariana Grande]
I'm findin' ways to stay concentrated on what I gotta do
But, baby boy, it's so hard 'round you
And yes, I'm blamin' you
And you know I can't fake it, now or never
And you insinuatin' that you think we might be better
Better me and you
Yeah, I know you do
[Pre-Chorus: Ariana Grande]
You know what I'm thinkin', see it in your eyes
You hate that you want me, hate it when you cry
It ain't workin' 'cause you're perfect (Mm)
And I know you deserve it
I can't walk away
[Chorus: Both, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd]
Even though we're goin' through it
And it makes you (Me) feel alone
Just know that I would die for you (I would die for you)
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It'll never change my mind 'cause
Baby, I would die for you (I would die for you, uh)
Baby, I would die for you, yeah (I would die for you)
[Bridge: The Weeknd]
I would die for you, I would lie for you
Keep it real with you, I would kill for you, my baby
I'm just sayin', yeah
I would die for you, I would lie for you
Keep it real with you, I would kill for you, my baby
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na
[Chorus: The Weeknd]
Even though we're goin' through it (Ooh)
And it makes you feel alone (No, no)
Just know that I would die for you (No)
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us (Ooh)
It'll never change my mind 'cause (No, no)
Baby, I would die for you (No)
Baby, I would die for you, yeah (Oh, babe)
[Verse 1: The Weeknd]
I'm findin' ways to articulate the feelin' I'm goin' through
I just can't say I don't love you
'Cause I love you, yeah
It's hard for me to communicate the thoughts that I hold
But tonight I'm gon' let you know
Let me tell the truth
Baby, let me tell the truth, yeah
[Pre-Chorus: The Weeknd]
You know what I'm thinkin', see it in your eyes
You hate that you want me, hate it when you cry
You're scared to be lonely, 'specially in the night
I'm scared that I'll miss you, happens every time
I don't want this feelin', I can't afford love
I try to find a reason to pull us apart
It ain't workin' 'cause you're perfect
And I know that you're worth it
I can't walk away, oh
[Chorus: The Weeknd]
Even though we're goin' through it
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It'll never change my mind 'cause
Baby, I would die for you, uh
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
[Verse 2: SZA]
I'm finding time to catch a wave
Hop in the car with you
Hoping to find the time to feel good
Wanna fight less, wanna build more
Wanna be your type, change your world
Share your life, be the only girl
Who got you tripping and moving like you don't know me
I put the bitch in position, she really owe me
Nah to 9 to 5, we do this all the time
Will you call me when I'm on your mind?
Baby, can you
[Pre-Chorus: The Weeknd]
You know what I'm thinkin'
See it in your eyes
You hate that you want me
Hate it when you cry
It ain't workin' 'cause you're perfect
And I know that you're worth it
I can't walk away, oh!
[Chorus: The Weeknd & SZA]
Even though we're goin' through it
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you (I would die for you, baby)
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It'll never change my mind, 'cause
Baby, I would die for you, uh
Baby, I would die for you, yeah (I would die for you)
[Bridge: The Weeknd & SZA]
I would die for you
I would lie for you
Keep it real with you
I would kill for you, my baby
I'm just sayin', yeah
I would die for you
I would lie for you
Keep it real with you
I would kill for you, my baby
Na-na-na, na-na-na, na-na-na
[Chorus: The Weeknd & SZA]
Even though we're goin' through it
And it makes you feel alone
Just know that I would die for you
Baby, I would die for you, yeah
The distance and the time between us
It'll never change my mind, 'cause
Baby, I would die for you, uh
Baby, I would die for you, yeah (Oh, babe)
(Die for you)
Track Listing[]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die For You" (Remix) | 3:52 |
| Total length: | 3:52 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Die For You" (Remix) | 3:52 |
| 2. | "Die For You" | 4:20 |
| 3. | "Die For You" (Instrumental) | 4:19 |
| 4. | "Die For You" (Sped Up) | 3:43 |
| Total length: | 16:15 | |
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "GMANetwork.com. (2022, February 22). Ariana Grande, The Weeknd tease remix of 'Die For You' six years after initial release."
- ↑ "Wicked" Director Jon M. Chu Says Ariana Grande & The Weeknd’s "Die for You" Remix Is ‘Proof’ of This
- ↑ "Uproxx. (2022, February 22). The Weeknd And Ariana Grande Tease Their ‘Die For You’ Remix, And Announce The Release Date."
- ↑ Pitchfork. (2022, February 24). The Weeknd Enlists Ariana Grande for New “Die for You” Remix: Listen.
- ↑ Pop Crave - November 22, 2022 (Twitter)
- ↑ The Weeknd - Nov 22, 2022 (Twitter)
- ↑ Pop Crave - Dec 7, 2022 (Twitter)
- ↑ WRMF - Ariana Grande announces hiatus from making music to focus on ‘Wicked’ film role
- ↑ The Things - Here's Why Ariana Grande Hasn't Released A New Album Yet
- ↑ Instagram - @arianagrande ⭐️🌙
- ↑ Billboard: The Weeknd & Ariana Grande Tease ‘Die for You’ Remix
- ↑ HollywoodLife. (2023, February 21). Ariana Grande & The Weeknd Tease Their ‘Die For You’ Remix In New Video: ‘Who’s Ready?’ Retrieved February 22, 2023,
- ↑ NationalWorld. (2022, February 24). Ariana Grande new verse in The Weeknd ‘Die For You’ lyrics - here are the full words.
- ↑ Instagram @theweeknd 🥲
- ↑ Instagram - tomorrow night @theweeknd
- ↑ Twitter - @grandeschart: "“Die For You (Remix)” (Instrumental Version) is OUT NOW..."
- ↑ Twitter - @republicrecords: "die for you remix acapella version with ariana grande is available now for a limited time exclusively on @theweeknd + ari's store..."
- ↑ YouTube - Ariana Grande: "The Weeknd & Ariana Grande - Die For You (Remix Acapella) (Official Audio)"
- ↑ Musicstax: Die For You - Remix
- ↑ YouTube - ARIANA?? (Die for You Vocal Remix) Showcase
- ↑ "Genius. (n.d.). The Weeknd – Die for You Lyrics (Meaning). Retrieved"
- ↑ "The Story Behind "Die For You" by The Weeknd." American Songwriter. 17 May 2021,
- ↑ Genius. (n.d.). The Weeknd – Die For You (Remix) (Annotation for "But, baby boy, it's so hard 'round you And yes, I'm blamin' you."
- ↑ Rolling Stone. “The Weeknd Taps Ariana Grande for New ‘Die For You’ Remix.” Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2022
- ↑ AV Club - Ariana Grande hops out of Oz, into The Weeknd's "Die For You" remix
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Elite Daily - THE WEEKND & ARIANA GRANDE’S “DIE FOR YOU” REMIX IS GLORIOUS
- ↑ Twitter - @BuzzingPop
- ↑ Billboard - The Weeknd & Ariana Grande’s ‘Die for You’ Leaps to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- ↑ UPI - The Weeknd recruits Ariana Grande for 'Die for You (Remix)'
- ↑ YouTube - The Weeknd & Ariana Grande - Die For You (Remix) (Official Visualizer)
- ↑ iHeart Radio : The Weeknd and Ariana Grande add talents in the acapella remix of the song "Die for you"
- ↑ Stereogum - The Weeknd’s “Die For You” Hits #1 Six Years After Release Thanks To TikTok Virality & New Remix With Ariana Grande