I Was Never There (feat. Gesaffelstein)

The Weeknd, known for his moody and atmospheric R&B music, often delves into themes of heartbreak, self-destruction, and the darker side of fame and romance. 'I Was Never There,' a collaboration with French techno artist Gesaffelstein, is no exception, as it explores the depths of emotional numbness and the aftermath of a toxic relationship. The song's haunting production and introspective lyrics create a somber mood that reflects the artist's inner turmoil.

The lyrics of 'I Was Never There' pose rhetorical questions about the pain that can drive a person to the brink of despair. The Weeknd sings about the hollowness of temporary pleasures, such as 'mindless sex,' suggesting that these are coping mechanisms for deeper issues. The repetition of 'when it's time, it won't matter' implies a sense of fatalism and the feeling that, in the end, the struggles and pains of life may be inconsequential. This could also be interpreted as a reflection on the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of human connections.

In the latter part of the song, The Weeknd confronts the realization that the love he thought he had was not genuine. He acknowledges the toxicity of the relationship and his own self-destructive behavior as a response to it. The lines 'I'm on the edge of something breaking / I feel my mind is slowly fadin'' convey a sense of impending breakdown, both emotionally and mentally. The Weeknd's raw and vulnerable delivery of these lines underscores the song's theme of the devastating impact that a broken relationship can have on one's psyche. 'I Was Never There' is a poignant reflection on the emptiness that lingers after love has gone, leaving only the shadows of what was once believed to be true.