This wasn’t supposed to be my next post (you’ll understand why I have one lined up when I publish it soon, I promise!), but I need to talk about Miley’s new song “End of the World,” released this past Friday, April 4th. It’s the second single from her upcoming album “Something Beautiful,” dropping on May 30th (and yes, the countdown is ON!). It’s only been a few days, and I’ve already played this song hundreds of times.
A Nostalgic End-of-Days Narrative:
This song is pure storytelling – nostalgic and so incredibly real – and here’s why: It paints a picture of the end of the world, an apocalyptic scenario that, as hard as it is to admit, feels increasingly relevant given the absurdities we’ve witnessed both here in the US and globally. It might sound like fiction, but in a way, the end is already happening, guys. And that’s where the nostalgia comes in. The song taps into that fear of imagining losing something we cherish: a pet, a loved one, a relationship. It’s the fear of loss, of change, of the ultimate end. It’s like missing something that’s still here. But it’s also a form of gratitude for the things we don’t want to lose. What’s so genius is that it’s the opposite of those “let’s pretend it’s the end of the world and party!” songs, which imply it’s a distant possibility. Instead, it’s more like “let’s pretend it’s not the end of the world,” hinting that it’s a very real possibility – and maybe it is. Something about the melody also carries this nostalgic feeling; it almost sounds like a song from our past that holds a special memory, the kind of track that comes on the radio and you can’t help but sing along like no one’s listening. Plus it has that infectious beat that would be perfect in any club!
Permission to Live Without Holding Back:
On the flip side, the song is also a powerful message to live life to the fullest and pursue everything we desire without hesitation, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. It’s that classic question, “What would you do if the world ended tomorrow?” – that’s the exact vibe of this song. We all have a pretty good idea of what Miley envisions in the lyrics: being held by someone you love, watching the Malibu sunset, spending all your savings, embracing a little craziness…
Honestly, if I knew the world was ending tomorrow, I’d throw a party with my favorite people and blast “End of the World” on repeat. You know how we have those songs that define a summer or a memorable trip? “End of the World” is shaping up to be a significant part of the soundtrack of this moment in all our lives. What songs would you add to an official “End of the World” Spotify playlist? Let’s make one!
A Final Love Letter:
Beyond the nostalgia of the end and the call to seize the day, these lyrics are undeniably romantic. It’s a simple yet profound love letter to someone you want to spend your final moments with, doing the things you love most (is there anything more romantic than that?). I especially love the line, “Show me how you’d hold me if tomorrow wasn’t comin’ for sure,” particularly the final repetition, which shifts from a hypothetical to an obvious statement: “Hold me close, you know tomorrow isn’t coming for sure.” This is it. This is the last day.
The Last 4th of July:
I can definitely see a political layer to this line “The sky was fallin’ like a comet on the Fourth of July”. The Fourth of July is supposed to be a celebration of American strength. To picture that sky falling feels like a pointed commentary, a sense that things are breaking within the country. It’s a feeling that resonates with a broader sense of unease, a feeling that endings, in various forms, are becoming more tangible.
Beyond the political interpretation, the Fourth of July imagery perfectly aligns with the theme – Are we celebrating with fireworks reaching for the sky, or witnessing comets falling from it? And the timing of this release couldn’t be better, with summer (and the Fourth of July) just around the corner.
Miley’s End-of-World Performance:
Okay, we’ve dug into the lyrics; now let’s talk about the visuals. The song paints a picture of what the protagonist would do as the world ends. Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus, the artist in the music video, spends her last day on Earth doing what she knows best: singing, dancing, looking more stunning and sexier than ever. She’s serving face, body, attitude – the whole package. No need for big productions. One setting, one look (a breathtaking Mugler dress), lots of light… a perfect dream! It’s further proof that she belongs and deserves her place among the top pop divas.
“End of the World arrives with another striking yet simple visual, which brings the project’s unique aesthetic to life. The official video showcases Miley in her element on stage with her microphone in hand, reminiscent of her 2024 GRAMMYs performance. Miley is wearing an original custom Mugler by Casey Cadwallader. Each release unfolds as a fully realized artistic vision, blending music, film, and fashion into a singular cinematic experience. The new single “End of the World” out now.” Miley Cyrus on Threads.
I love the simplicity of the music video, but given the song’s narrative, it’s hard not to imagine Miley releasing an alternative visual – a short film depicting this apocalyptic scenario. Picture Miley Cyrus as this California woman, in love with a handsome and strong partner, with scenes of them on the beach, under the covers, sharing intimate moments, alongside friends throwing a final party as the world literally ends around them. Imagine close-ups of Miley’s mesmerizing eyes reflecting the sky in flames. Then, cut to Miley in Paris, draped in a fur coat, sipping champagne, singing and dancing with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. I’d also include beautiful snippets of everyday people doing meaningful but simple (or very crazy) things… this song truly awakens my inner video producer-director-whatever-you-want-to-call-it!
I’m so incredibly proud of the artist Miley Cyrus has become – her authenticity, her power, she’s carved out her own unique space in the industry and a special place in our hearts. For some, “The End of the World” might just be another pop song climbing the charts, but I see so much depth in it, coupled with genuine emotion and artistic professionalism. And let’s not even get started on “Something Beautiful,” the first track she released last week – what a rich and expressive song! Can you even imagine the rest of the album? I’m counting down the days until I can listen to the whole thing. I don’t know what you’ll be doing when the world ends (or on May 30th), but you can bet I’ll be listening to “Something Beautiful” on repeat! And stick around, because I have a feeling I’ll have plenty more to say about it soon…
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