It might make you wonder if The Weeknd is really singing about someone — or something. As it turns out, that something might be somewhat sinister... like drugs. Billboard reported that the song most likely is taking the idea of drug dependency and likening it to being in a bad relationship. And the drug The Weeknd is probably singing about: cocaine.
Sure, all drugs have side effects. And one of cocaine's biggest side effects is temporary facial numbness, Healthline reported. So if you look at the song through the lens that it's cocaine he's crooning about, it makes sense that the drug will always get the best of him, and that the worst (i.e. a deeper drug dependency and perhaps even death) could be coming. Now, this isn't the first time that The Weeknd has used (ahem) mood enhancers as a metaphor in his music. His hit song, "Blinding Lights" talks about driving to see someone while you're intoxicated. And The Weeknd (whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) has openly admitted to his history with drugs.
In an interview with CR, the Super Bowl LV halftime show headliner said, "I have an off-and-on relationship with it. It doesn't consume my life but occasionally helps me open up my mind, especially when I'm creating, but when I perform I'm completely sober and try not to even drink. I've learned to balance thanks to touring."
