Killing Me

Album: Found Heaven (2023)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Conan Gray paints a vivid picture of a 2 a.m. call from a troublesome ex. He reluctantly welcomes this toxic love interest back into his life, but by the bridge, Gray finds himself trapped in a nightmarish cycle of ecstasy and heartbreak.

    I wanna die, but you keep me alive
    You're killing me, you're killing me
  • Musically, the song lures you in with the promise of a piano ballad. The pre-chorus quickens the pace, as Gray admits his lack of control. By the time the chorus hits, "Killing Me" transforms into a full-blown dance-floor thumper, its contagious beat contradicting Gray's inner turmoil.
  • Gray wrote "Killing Me" when he was sick with the flu. "It was a miserable time where I was both physically sick, but also super heartbroken over somebody," Gray revealed. "Hence, 'you're KILLING me.' I think we all have those people who don't treat us nearly well enough, but we just can't seem to let them go. People who call you at 2 a.m., and who you know you shouldn't pick up... but you do. Killing Me is for when you're on your last limb, begging this person to just please stop torturing your heart."
  • Gray co-wrote "Killing Me" with Swedish pop mastermind Max Martin and his co-writing and production partner, Oscar Holter. Martin and Holter's partnership has given rise to many of The Weeknd's hits, including "Blinding Lights," "In Your Eyes," "Save Your Tears" and "Take My Breath."

    They previously linked up with Gray on his "Never Ending Song" single.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.