Photo Credit: Capitol
Halsey's highly anticipated return to music carries an unexpected weight. Their newest single, "The End," released on Tuesday, is an emotional ballad that delves into the raw intersection of love and chronic illness.
This introspective track serves as the lead single for Halsey's upcoming, yet-to-be-titled fifth album. Following the critical acclaim of 2021's "If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power," "The End" takes a more vulnerable approach.
The song chronicles a harrowing experience with an undisclosed illness, casting a shadow over a cherished relationship. Mortality hangs heavy in the air as Halsey wrestles with their current situation.
The release of "The End" was preceded by a series of emotional Instagram posts. Earlier this week, Halsey offered fans a glimpse into their personal medical journey, a struggle they had previously kept private. While initially avoiding specifics, a subsequent post revealed diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, both received in 2022.
Halsey shared in the caption, "Both of which are currently being managed or in remission; and both of which I will likely have for the duration of my life." The singer went on to describe a challenging initial period, followed by gradual improvement with the support of exceptional medical care. "After 2 years, I'm feeling better and I'm more grateful than ever to have music to turn to. I can't wait to get back where I belong: With you all."
Expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, Halsey closed the message with a powerful statement: "Long story short, I'm Lucky to be alive. short story long, I wrote an album. it begins with The End. Out now."
The accompanying visuals for "The End" are equally impactful. The opening sequence features Halsey self-massaging seemingly in pain, with medical tape visible on their arm. "Seriously, I feel like an old lady," Halsey says in the video. Their resolve shines through a determined statement: "I'm giving myself two more years to be sick. At 30, I'm having a rebirth and I'm not going to be sick and I'm going to look super hot and have lots of energy. And I'm just going to get to redo my 20s in my 30s."
Other clips showcase Halsey receiving treatment, offering a window into their journey. These visuals paint a poignant picture of resilience in the face of adversity.
Halsey's commitment to raising awareness extends beyond music. The release of "The End" coincides with donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Lupus Research Alliance.
"The End" opens with a powerful lyric: "Every couple of years now, a doctor says I'm sick/ Pulls out a brand new bag of tricks/ And then they lay it on me/ And at first, it was my brain, then a skeleton in pain/ And I don't like to complain, but I'm saying sorry."
This raw honesty sets the tone for the song, exploring the emotional toll of chronic illness.
"The End" marks a new chapter for Halsey, one that is both deeply personal and undeniably powerful. The song offers a glimpse into their struggles, serving as an inspiration to those facing similar challenges.
Jeff Ian
