Halsey Releases Scathing Solo Version of “Die 4 Me”

Written by Natalie Melendez

If there’s one thing we can rely on Halsey for, it’s their scathing lyricism. The 28-year old pop singer—widely known for metaphorically intricate tracks such as 2015’s “New America” and catchy pop tunes, like their 2016 feature on The Chainsmokers’ “Closer”—recently released their solo version of Post Malone’s 2019 hit “Die For Me.” Distinctly titled “Die 4 Me,” the new version is a rage-powered post-break up anthem that showcases Halsey’s lyrical prowess and flair for revenge. 

Halsey performed their portion of the original song, which they were featured on along with rapper Logic, throughout their 2022 summer tour supporting 2021’s If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. A recent surprise announcement from the singer detailed the release of the new version, which has long been in the works. The track features an entirely new verse and bridge, with some minor adjustments to Halsey’s original verse and a noticeable change in tone.

While the original version of the the track saw Halsey spew out an audibly vengeful verse to a past lover guilty of infidelity (“I don’t play anymore, I went through your phone / And called the girls in your DMs’ and took all them home”) it also showed some form of distance and recovery from the painful breakup. “Grew into a savage and that’s why they gave this verse to me,” Halsey proudly announces, right before referencing their 2018 sensation, “Without Me,” about said-break up: “I sold 15 million copies of break-up note.”

The newer version of “Die 4 Me” sees the singer in a further-removed headspace. Four years later, Halsey has fully recovered and is ready to, once and for all, leave behind the emotional turmoil caused by their previous partner: “This is the last time, I'ma do you the honor / I’ll give you a headline, I know I shouldn't bother.” Though the new lyrics are significantly more cutting, they're also more reflective, leading the singer to trade in their initially vengeful tone for one that is more subdued and, surprisingly, more playful. “They say what the devil can't do / He's gon' send a woman to / You seek to hide, you're dead inside, won't see me cry,” Halsey croons with a high-pitched inflection, and it feels liberating. 

Most strikingly, Halsey changed the number associated with the “Without Me” reference in the original track to a staggering “40 million” to reflect the single’s continued achievement—early February of this year, the song became Diamond Certified. The slight lyric adjustment is followed by a mischievous chuckle. 

Halsey’s version of “Die 4 Me” comes at a pivotal time in their life. Since the original release, Halsey has released two albums, become a mother, and found faithful love, as expressed in the singer’s 2022 single, “So Good.” Halsey is moving forwards, finding happiness in new places and doing better than they could have in their previous relationship. Though the singer has made no announcement of any future new releases, one thing is indeed certain: success is the greatest revenge of all.