Song meaning:
Abel is in a constant state of distraction that he only gets relief from when in the presence of a significant other. The song is an up-tempo electropop track that features large ‘80s-inspired synths and electronic dance music drums. The video is a continuation of the music video from “Heartless,” starting with Abel stopping his manic run through Las Vegas, which is where the video for “Heartless” ended. From there, Abel continues his tear through the city while under the influence of many substances, this time going to a strip club as well as driving a different luxury Mercedes Benz AMG-GT in the video.
'I've been tryna call' - The first line represents Abel’s vulnerability. A theme explored throughout the rest of this song. Without drugs, Abel feels a sense of loneliness. This is perhaps Abel’s truest and most authentic self.
'I've been on my own for long enough' - Abel’s been on his own since around the age of 17 when he dropped out of high school and left home to never come back. He’s also implying that he's been single for some time and has forgotten how to love.
'I'm going through withdrawals' - A withdrawal can both mean the behaviour in which one prefers to be alone or also the physical and mental effects experienced when a person stops using a drug. Considering Abel’s historic of drug abuse, which is largely mentioned in his songs, the second one is more likely.
'You can turn me on with just a touch' - Abel expresses his great sensitivity towards the girl he’s with to show he’s really in love with her, or that he clings to every sign of affection. Even if that mustn’t be the same person he’s talking about in this track, Abel isn't unfamiliar with this kind of touch. That could imply a reminiscence of feelings he had in his (fictional) past life, and the fact that he’s very sensitive towards women, and has always been.
'I look around and Sin City's cold and empty, no one's around to judge me, I can't see clearly when you're gone' - Las Vegas is nicknamed “Sin City” due to the city’s overwhelming presence of crime, drugs, and sexual promiscuity —all important themes throughout The Weeknd’s career. He also explores hedonism on his song “Heaven or Las Vegas". Abel experienced emptiness and heartbreak when he was briefly separated from Bella Hadid in 2019. The two have since reunited and emotionally completed The Weeknd.
'I'm blinded by the lights..I can't sleep until I feel your touch..I'm drowning in the night..when I'm like this, you're the one I trust' - This song directly follows the outro of “Faith,” where The Weeknd speaks about being in the back of a police car presumably after an overdose: "I ended up in the back of a flashing car with the city shining on my face the lights are blinding me again". The “lights” here not only represent the lights from the police car or the city but also the fame Abel’s enjoyed for his recording career. From stage lights to paparazzi camera flashes, he’s been “blinded” by many examples of a wealthy and successful life, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. However, his celebrity life often overshadows his deep personal life.
'I'm running out of time 'cause I can see the sun light up the sky' - Vegas is a city known for being “alive” at night. Another reason this song’s story, or the whole album takes place in Vegas are Abel’s repeated references of it, adding to the fact, that he feels at home there. Abel fears that he won’t be able to sleep because he lost his loved one and needs to get her back to finally get sleep. On “Final Lullaby”, the last track off the deluxe version of After Hours, Abel tries to accept the fact that he won’t find his love back in that night. A possible reason for him being stressed during the day is his fame and popularity. During the day, Abel is blinded by the lights of police cars, but also by flashing camera lights, representing fame. Therefore, he likes to escape into the night.
'I hit the road in overdrive' - Abel alludes to his habit of driving over the speed limit, which he has mentioned in several songs in the past, such as on “Heartless". Abel also admits his love for dangerous speeding on his September 2016 single “Starboy”: "100 on the dash get me close to God". “Blinding Lights” was also originally teased in a German Mercedes-Benz commercial, where The Weeknd is shown driving an electric car while the song plays in the background.
'I'm just calling back to let you know I could never say it on the phone, will never let you go this time' - Abel describes how his love for whom is presumed to be Bella Hadid is much stronger than he can say on the phone to her. This is different than the feelings Abel has shown in previous albums, with his typical themes usually revolving around never showing love towards anyone he is with and only using them for sex.
Source: Genius
Disclaimer: I do not own this music
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