There Truly Is Nothing Quite Like ‘First Heartbreak’ - Lauv’s Latest Single

Ahead of his US tour, singer-songwriter Lauv has just surprise dropped a brand new single ‘First Heartbreak’ where he’s captured fans' hearts once again. This is his second single release under his new partnership with AWAL but it follows on from collaboration ‘Cozy’ with Jeremy Zucker and Alexander 23.

Lauv has been a staple for vulnerable and honest lyrics with previous popular songs like ‘I Like Me Better’ and ‘I’m so tired…’ with Troye Sivan and for this new era we have already seen him being even more open. With ‘Potential’ being the first queer track of his, exploring his own thoughts and experiences with his sexuality. 

‘First Heartbreak’ is a look into the past on the confusing and tumultuous adventure of breaking up with your first love. It explores every stage of emotions during this time from anger to acceptance of letting go. Yet knowing the love for that person will always somewhat be there, even when you move on in life. Throughout the song it feels as though the listener is on this journey with him, as in the chorus Lauv sings“All of my friends and my therapist say / That it’s nothing and I’ve gone insane” but in the verses you can feel the intensity of his pain through lyrics like “You left me half alive”. These two lines in particular highlight how lonely heartbreak is and the contrast between the person going through it and the people around them. However by the end of the song Lauv admits he’s “going insane”.

Even though it is heart-breaking, it still shows some hope as “You can’t know heaven until you / know hell” suggesting that this is something everyone needs to go through and that love can be right around the corner. Lauv effortlessly depicts how real heartbreak and loss can be whilst also remaining hopeful, fusing the two together with lyrics from the heart.

Although quite simple instrumentally, it’s calming nature allows the audience to immerse themselves in the lyrics and just feel. The track starts with softly sang verses but the piano picks up during the second chorus to mimic the desperation of the opening line “I started running, got faster and faster” but then the intensity drops for “But I just couldn’t get away” signifying him giving up on the idea of running away. 

In an instagram caption he explains the backstory of the track which started on a writing trip playing a card game called we’re not really strangers. Him and his friends pulled out a card that read “Have you ever had your heart broken” which prompted the idea that heartbreak comes in different forms and impacts people for the rest of their lives. This then inspired the creation of the song which he hopes resonates with listeners, adding he will “forever love this song”. 

It’s a beautiful introspective track that really pulls on your heartstrings with its raw lyrics whilst also still providing you with so much comfort like it already has done for so many fans and listeners. 

Emma Turner

@ems.lens3

Image: Daniel Prakopcyk