“When you hurt under the surface like troubled water running cold, well, time can heal—but this won’t.” 

These blunt but valid phrases set the outline for Lewis Capaldi’s most recent release “Before You Go” which leaves viewers in an unexplainable emotional state by the conclusion of the song.

Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has never failed to impress his loyal fans within the few years he has been in the music industry; his distinguishable music always has a meaning to them—which is personally applicable to Capaldi himself. 

However, his new release was not a part of his previous album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. “Before You Go” was released in mid-November when his album was released almost six months prior to that date. His reasoning for the individual release, I believe, was to secure the fact that this specific song he composed would leave more of an impact on his audience simply in regards to the touchy subject it embodied.

This song is about suicide—not the act itself, but the aftermath.

The heartbroken and somber lyrics question a person’s aid to another struggling with suicidal thoughts. Capaldi’s words, “Was there something I could’ve said to make your heart beat better?” exemplify the fact that the artist was coping with the concept that he could have done something to prevent this forfeiting action.

In an interview with Apple Music’s Beats 1, the singer-songwriter explained that when he was only five or six years old, his aunt, unfortunately, committed suicide. Capaldi recalled recently speaking with his mother about her feelings towards the depressing event in his life; both back then and now, they were constantly questioning themselves and what could have been done to help. 

Capaldi was unknown in the U.S until his first release, “Bruises.” This composition dropped in 2017, creating a buzz in America. From there, he is now most known for his breakthrough single“Someone You Loved,” which spent seven full weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart—one of the longest number one singles in UK chart history. 

The reason for this is obvious: Capaldi’s voice is so deeply unique.

His vocals and notes he hits are moving; no matter what, listening to his songs always leave an impact on me because of how much talent he showcases. Just by simply listening to his compositions, you can recognize his love for music and how strong it is. Regarding “Before You Go,”  Capaldi expresses that he feels as if he is somewhat responsible for his loved one’s death and how he wishes he could go back in time and contribute. It stands as one of my favorites because of the commitment and anguish he delivers just through his words.

The upholding message he swiftly delivers throughout not just the lyrics, but also his soul, is wistful. The uniqueness of his voice distinguishes him from the thousands of artists that produce music like his, and because of this, “Before You Go” will remain at the top of my daily listens.