Alexander Stewart laid out his vulnerabilities in “if you only knew.” The singer-songwriter opened up on the darkest of his thoughts, setting pain alongside pleas for help. He sings of mental health battles that unfortunately many are familiar with.
As a songwriter, it’s really cathartic to be able to share this story, and my only hope is that it helps people who might be struggling in their own ways.
~ Alexander Stewart
Bright yet wistful piano strikes a delicate balance between soft, uplifting tones and a lingering sense of sadness, amplified by Stewart’s velvety voice. As the track nears the chorus, Stewart’s voice cracks, with more grit, emotion overflowing.
if you only knew
~ “if you only knew”
what my mind is telling me I should do
that I’m drunk and all alone in my room here tonight
i’m too sad to cry it’s true
if you only knew
Desperate for relief from mental torment, he even turns to alcohol. It’s all a cry for help, as the repeated refrain “if you only knew” shows the power of what happens when these feelings go left unspoken.
If you’re struggling, reach out — Stewart’s single speaks to the intense need for connection and support in times of need.
In a visualizer, Stewart sits at a sleek black grand piano in a dim warehouse, illuminated only by a wall of windows revealing a nighttime city road. Wide shots make Stewart feel small amid so much suffering, while close-ups send shivers down your spine from the raw expression.
“if you only knew” is the titular track behind a six-song EP. To celebrate, Stewart performed on Late Night With Seth Meyers on Dec. 13. It’s just another success under the rising star’s belt, as he recently performed “i wish you cheated” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and even went viral on TikTok.
Writing these songs was the most beautiful and heartbreaking process I think I’ve been through. I’ve poured so much emotion into this EP, and it captures so many vulnerable moments from my life, with ‘if you only knew’ being one of the heaviest.
~ Alexander Stewart
2023 was big for Stewart — he toured across North America with Charlie Puth and Eric Nam, along with headlining his own Blame’s On Me Tour in North America and Europe. Don’t miss out on what’s next from this breakthrough artist, as the best is yet to come. Stay connected on his website, TikTok, and Instagram.
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