Songfacts®:

• This candid, evocative song expresses the frustrations that come with yearning for someone close to you to change. The universal ballad holds a specific personal significance for Cian Ducrot. "It's a story of waiting for someone you love to show up, but they tend to not show up when you need them," he explained. "I didn't want to have a relationship with my dad as a child, he was a horrible person, but also when you're a kid you still want your dad to care."
• The single followed the heart-wrenching "All For You" into the UK singles chart. Both songs deal with the aftermath of a broken relationship. While "All For You" centers on the pain of loss and the nagging feeling of remorse for one's own actions, "I'll Be Waiting" explores the disappointment that comes with holding out hope for change.
• Cian Ducrot co-wrote "All For You" with New Jersey singer-songwriter Frawley. Ducrot co-produced the track with Joseph Wander (Dodie's You EP, Oh Wonder's 22 Make album). Wander also worked as a recording engineer on Taylor Swift's "Christmas Tree Farm" single.
• Ducrot released a festive version of the song titled "I'll Be Waiting (Sad At Christmas)" on December 16, 2022. This version of the heartfelt pop track features a more stripped-down approach and a wintery feel.
• Ducrot debuted "I'll Be Waiting" live at his September 20, 2022, concert at Lafayette, London.
• Cian Ducrot self-directed the song's music video, which follows two young brothers and their tense relationship with their father. "When I was a kid I'd wait around for my dad to show up," said the singer. "Even though he was a bad person I still wanted him to care. My brother and I were conflicted between not wanting to see him and hoping he would still turn up. Till this day I still don't understand why he didn't love us enough to be there and try. This music video tells that story, this is for any kid out there who's waiting for that same love."
• "I'll Be Waiting" became a global hit propelled by a viral trend on TikTok. In all the videos, Ducrot leads a choir to a public space and starts a song. The choir joins in, and the camera captures the reactions of onlookers.
  
  "I knew that I knew the chorus was really catchy, but it didn't necessarily tell the full story of the song," Ducrot told The Herald Scotland. "Nor was it that genius, or the most amazing lyrics – it was just catchy and simple. So that's when I had the idea. We were doing full choir versions of the song, so I realized I'd have a full choir at my disposal."
  
  "So I thought, 'why don't we just take the choir and go and sing the chorus in some random places?" he added. "The rest is history."