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- May 5, 2023
The King of Heartbreak Anthems Comes Back with Narrative Switch-Up
One of the ultimate ways to soothe a heartache: Lewis Capaldi’s music. The Glasgow singer made a name for himself with his breakup ballads such as “Someone You Loved” and tear-jerkers such as “Before You Go,” but his new single “Wish You the Best” takes a new perspective on the after-effects of a breakup. The song has already racked up over 21 million streams on Spotify alone.
The new single comes with the announcement that Capaldi will be releasing his sophomore studio album titled Broken By Desire to Be Heavenly Sent.
The song is a melancholic ballad featuring Capaldi’s strong vocals and heartbreaking lyrics that paint a vivid picture of trying to stay close to your ex after a relationship and, ultimately, realizing that parting ways is for the better with lines such as: “I wanna say I miss the green in your eyes/And when I said we could be friends I, guess I lied/I wanna say “I wish that you never left”/Oh but instead I only wish you the best.”
“‘Wish You The Best’ came from the idea of a person you used to be with, telling you all this amazing stuff about their life, without you in it. It’s a song about what we don’t say to those people. I was fascinated by the things left unsaid, whether that be in a relationship or a friendship.”
– Lewis Capaldi
‘Wish You the Best’ is poetic with how Capaldi takes accountability for what he might have done in the relationship that led to its demise with lines like Well, I can’t help but notice/You seem happier than ever now/And I guess that I should tell you I’m sorry/It seems I was the problem somehow/Maybe I only brought you down.
The single comes along with three other songs titled “Forget Me,” “How I’m Feeling Now” and “Pointless” all featured on Capaldi’s extended play released under the name Wish You the Best.
Dropping alongside the single was a music video directed by Phil Beastall, and follows the tear-jerking story of deep companionship between an old mail-man who lives alongside his dog, Willow. The two go everywhere together, further, the age-old adage that a dog is man’s best friend. But viewers are reminded of the song’s themes as the old man passes and leaves behind his dog, who goes to visit his grave, highlighting ideas of longing and missing someone who you can no longer be with despite how much you might wish.
Soon a younger mailman stumbles upon Williow sitting by her late owner’s grave and takes her home; soon, viewers watch as Willow and the new mailman do the same things Willow had done with her first owner as they deliver mail to the town. But after one of their session, Willow returns to her late owner’s grave and lays down, mirroring the same actions seen in the beginning of the music video. While this scene plays out, the lyrics playing over are: “Wish I could say it’s something I really mean/But I want you happy whether not it’s with me”
The scene, in combination with the lyrics, makes the song about more than just romantic relationships; through the lyrical and visual combination, it’s evident that the younger mail-man realizes that Willow will always miss her old owner despite being happy with her new owner. The video ends with a somewhat bittersweet moment, with Willow passing away but reuniting with her old owner in the afterlife.
The new single and music video gives a promising glimpse of what is to come from Capaldi in the future; click here to preorder his new album, Broken By Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, set to be released on May 19.
Capaldi is currently on an international tour supporting the soon-to-be-released album; fans of Capaldi can check when their city’s tour date is coming up and purchase tickets here. Follow Capaldi on his social media platforms to stay up-to-date about any new releases or future tour-related announcements! Make sure to stream “Wish You The Best,” currently available on all streaming platforms.
