The world’s been patiently waiting for another Ariana Grande and Weeknd collab since “Save Your Tears” in 2021. Two years later, and the duo made their triumphant return with a remix to “Die For You” on Feb. 24. First released in 2016 on The Weeknd’s Billboard-charted album Starboy, “Die For You” is considered by many fans to be one of the artist’s greatest hits. Paired with Grande’s pop flare and vocal runs, “Die For You” got a total makeover in this 2023 remix and re-release. But what changes have been made?
While the beginning of the song remains very similar — if not the same — to the original version, there’s a noticeable difference in the chorus. Grande joins The Weeknd there, dropping a few of her iconic whistle notes as he sings the lyrics, “Even though we’re goin’ through it / And it makes you feel alone / Just know that I would die for you.” The same goes for the second chorus, where Grande’s trills are layered with The Weeknd’s voice. Suffice to say, fans of Grande and The Weeknd were absolutely floored by these additions to “Die For You.”
What might be the biggest difference between the original “Die For You” and its remix is Grande’s verse. Grande’s verse follows the first chorus, and on first listen, I was completely unprepared for it. In the original version of the song, The Weeknd opened the second verse with the lyrics, “I’m findin’ ways to manipulate the feelin’ you’re goin’ through / But, baby girl, I’m not blamin’ you / Just don’t blame me too, yeah,” only for Grande to later change the words to, “I’m findin’ ways to stay concentrated on what I gotta do / But, baby boy, it’s so hard ‘round you / And yes I’m blamin’ you.” These subtle switches seem to change the entire story of “Die For You.” Could Grande be singing from the perspective of whoever the song’s addressed to? That’s one theory.
In addition to those lyrics, Grande made other clear changes to verse two. Instead of singing, “‘Cause I can’t take this pain forever / And you won’t find no one that’s better / ‘Cause I’m right for you, babe / I think I’m right for you, babe,” Grande flips the script by singing, “And you know I can’t fake it, now or never / And you insinuatin’ that you think we might be better / Better me and you / Yeah, I know you do.” The sass in these lines almost makes them feel like a response to the second verse in the original song. Grande completely shoots down The Weeknd’s assumption that “he’s right for her.” Thank U, Next.
“Die For You (Remix)” marks the fourth collaborative project Grande and The Weeknd have worked on together. Once Grande finishes wrapping up the Wicked movie, let’s hope she’ll get back in the recording studio with The Weeknd again. Until then, stream “Die For You (Remix)” and check out the official lyric video, now on YouTube.