The Meaning Behind The Song: Escape From L.A. by The Weeknd
The Weeknd, one of the most well-known R&B artists of our time, released his fourth studio album, “After Hours,” on March 20, 2020. Alongside this release came a song that caught the attention of many fans: “Escape From L.A.” Its stylish melody combined with its dramatic lyrics has made it a fan favorite.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song, “Escape From L.A.,” and give you an insight into The Weeknd’s creative processes when writing the song. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about this hit track.
Background on the song
“Escape From L.A.” is a song written and performed by The Weeknd, and was produced by Metro Boomin. Released in March of 2020, the song has quickly become a fan favorite and has earned thousands of streams on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
The song is heavily inspired by the 90s dark synth-pop, a genre that The Weeknd has been known to explore. In a tweet, he revealed that he was listening to a lot of Depeche Mode and made the song a homage to their style.
The Meaning behind the lyrics
“Escape From L.A.” has a strong storytelling element to it. The lyrics tell the story of The Weeknd leaving L.A. after a failed relationship, trying to escape from the memories and feelings left behind. The lyrics are poetic, and the tone is melancholic:
“Leaving LA, leaving LA
The feelings I catch
Still feelings I can’t keep
I’m going through withdrawals
You’re too busy trying to find that blue-eyed soul
I let my black hair grow and my weed smoke
And I swear too much on the regular
We gone let them hits fly, we gone let her go
If it ain’t XO then it gotta go
I just won a new award for a kids show
Talking ’bout a face numbing off a bag of blow
I’m like goddamn bitch, I am not a Teen Choice
Goddamn, I am not a bleach boy
Whip game, make a nigga understand though
Got that Hannibal, silence of the lambo
Hit the gas so hard make it rotate
All my niggas blew up like a propane
All these R&B niggas be so lame
Got a sweet Asian chick, she go Lo Mein”
The lyrics are an expression of the pain that The Weeknd went through after leaving a relationship in LA. He feels like he needs to escape from his emotions, and even though he tries to fill the void with drugs, alcohol, and women, he still can’t shake the feeling of heartbreak.
The Music Video
The music video for “Escape from L.A” was released on March 22, 2020. The video is in black and white and features The Weeknd driving around the city in a red sports car. He takes a few pit-stops, goes to a strip club, and meets up with some wild women. In some scenes, he’s seen destroying his awards and tattoos with a red beam. The video’s dark theme and moody visuals are a perfect representation of the lyrics and the painful emotions associated with the song.
FAQs
1. What inspired The Weeknd to create “Escape From L.A.”?
The Weeknd has been known to draw inspiration from his own life experiences, and “Escape From L.A.” is no different. The song was written after a difficult time in his relationship with model and actress, Bella Hadid. The breakup inspired The Weeknd to create this melancholic song.
2. Did The Weeknd face any criticism for the lyrics of “Escape From L.A.”?
Fans were quick to point out that some of the lyrics mentioned drug use, and they were concerned about the message that the song would send to younger fans. However, The Weeknd defended his lyrics, stating that he was just expressing how he was feeling at the time and that he doesn’t promote drug use.
3. How long did it take The Weeknd to write “Escape From L.A.”?
The creative process of creating “Escape From L.A.” took around two weeks. According to Genius, the song was originally written a year earlier but was only finalized after The Weeknd revisited the lyrics.
4. Who produced the song “Escape From L.A.”?
The song was produced by the well-known producer, Metro Boomin.
5. What genre does “Escape From L.A.” belong to?
“Escape From L.A.” can be identified as synth-pop. The song has a dark, moody vibe that harkens back to the synth-heavy 90s.
6. What was the reception to “Escape From L.A.”?
“Escape From L.A.” has been well-received by critics and fans alike. It has earned millions of streams on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
7. What is the message behind The Weeknd’s destruction of awards and tattoos in the music video?
The video’s dark and moody theme is a perfect representation of the lyrics and the painful emotions associated with the song. The destruction of awards and tattoos could be interpreted as a message that awards and material possessions are not important in the face of heartbreak and emotional pain.
8. What does the red sports car symbolize in the music video for “Escape From L.A.”?
Red is usually associated with passion and desire. The Weeknd’s sports car is a powerful symbol of him trying to move on from his past and make a fresh start.
9. How has “Escape From L.A.” performed on the Billboard charts?
The song has performed well on the Billboard charts, peaking at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
10. Are there any samples or covers used in “Escape From L.A.”?
No, “Escape From L.A.” does not feature any samples or covers.
11. What are some other The Weeknd songs that are similar to “Escape From L.A.”?
“The Hills,” “Starboy,” and “Blinding Lights” are some other The Weeknd’s hit songs that feature a similar style to “Escape From L.A.”
12. What is the overall message behind “Escape From L.A.”?
The overall message behind “Escape From L.A.” is the painful process of leaving a relationship behind. The lyrics and the music video both tell the story of a person trying to escape their past and move forward. However, this process is not always easy, and the song portrays the complex emotions associated with heartbreak.
In conclusion, “Escape From L.A.” is a beautiful yet melancholic song that tells a story of heartbreak. The Weeknd’s poetic lyrics and Metro Boomin’s great production have made the song a fan favorite. We hope that this article has helped you understand the meaning of the song and given you a glimpse into The Weeknd’s creative process when writing the song.
