My Ex's Best Friend

Album: Tickets to My Downfall (2020)
Charted: 30 20
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Here, Machine Gun Kelly ruminates about a messy entanglement involving his former girlfriend's best friend.

    I swear to God, I never fall in love
    Then you showed up and I can't get enough of it


    Instead of wallowing in misery following his breakup, MGK has rediscovered love. However, the rebound relationship with his ex-lover's right-hand woman creates complications.
  • Blackbear joins MGK on the track. During his verse, he addresses his ex, outlining the problems arising from the end of their romance. He has moved on, and wants her to stop contacting him and do the same.
  • Machine Gun Kelly's first four studio albums all featured a hip-hop style, but following the release in 2019 of "I Think I'm Okay," his rock-leaning collaboration with blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, the Ohio artist wished to explore the sound further. After Kelly recorded the pop-punk song "Bloody Valentine" with Barker, the pair agreed to collaborate on an entire studio album with Barker on drums and as a producer. "My Ex's Best Friend" is the third single from the project.
  • Kelly, Blackbear and Travis Barker wrote the song with Nick Long, who is a member of the American indie-pop band Dark Waves. Long's other credits include All Time Low's "Dirty Laundry" and Bebe Rexha's "Last Hurrah."
  • Kelly performed this song with Blackbear and Travis Barker at the 2020 VMAs pre-show as one half of a medley along with "Bloody Valentine."
  • The Van Alpert-directed music video shows MGK jamming on the guitar as Blackbear tows them through the desert. Actor and director Van Alpert's other credits include the clips for Post Malone's "White Iverson" and Local Natives' "When Am I Gonna Lose You."
  • Machine Gun Kelly performed this song on the January 30, 2021 episode of Saturday Night Live. It marked his debut appearance as the comedy show's musical guest.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?