I Was Never There

Last updated

"I Was Never There"
Song by the Weeknd and Gesaffelstein
from the EP My Dear Melancholy
ReleasedMarch 30, 2018 (2018-03-30)
Genre Alternative R&B
Length4:01
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"I Was Never There" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd and French DJ Gesaffelstein, from the former's first extended play, My Dear Melancholy (2018). [1] The song was written by the Weeknd, Gesaffelstein, and Frank Dukes, and was produced by the latter two. The song is the first of three collaborations between the two artists and the second of the songs to go viral on TikTok in the early 2020s, after "Lost in the Fire". [2] [3]

Contents

Critical reception

The song was met with widespread acclaim, with critics naming it the standout track of its parent EP. [4] The song was ranked the Weeknd's 33rd best song by Rolling Stone due to Gesaffelstein's production and Weeknd's emotional vocal delivery. [5]

Lyrics

The song's lyrics makes references to the Weeknd's previous relationships with model Bella Hadid and singer and actress Selena Gomez. [6]

Commercial performance

The song debuted at number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the issue dated April 7, 2018. [7] Later on, throughout 2022, "I Was Never There" saw an increase in consumption as the song went viral on the social media platform TikTok alongside several other tracks by the Weeknd, which led to the song entering the Billboard Global 200 chart at 159 and eventually peaking at 119.

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "I Was Never There"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [28] 4× Platinum280,000‡
Canada (Music Canada) [29] Gold40,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) [30] Gold45,000‡
France (SNEP) [31] Gold100,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [32] Gold50,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [33] Platinum50,000‡
Portugal (AFP) [34] Platinum10,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [35] Gold400,000‡
United States (RIAA) [36] Platinum1,000,000‡
Streaming
Greece (IFPI Greece) [37] 3× Platinum6,000,000†

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Weeknd discography</span> Pop recording artist discography

The discography of Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd consists of five studio albums, nine extended plays, three mixtapes, three compilation albums, one soundtrack album, one live album, 72 single releases, and seven promotional singles. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Weeknd has accumulated 18.5 million certified album units and 113 million certified digital single units in the US, based on sales and on-demand streaming, as of January 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hills (song)</span> 2015 single by the Weeknd

"The Hills" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on May 27, 2015, as the second single from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The song was written by the Weeknd alongside producers Emmanuel "Mano" Nickerson and Illangelo, with Belly receiving additional writing credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Often</span> 2014 single by the Weeknd

"Often" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on July 31, 2014, as the lead single from his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The song contains a sample from "Ben Sana Vurgunum" by Turkish singer Nükhet Duru.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In the Night (song)</span> 2015 single by the Weeknd

"In the Night" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his second studio album Beauty Behind the Madness (2015). The Weeknd wrote the song with Belly, Savan Kotecha, Peter Svensson, and producers Max Martin & Ali Payami, with the Weeknd serving as co-producer. The song was released to contemporary hit radio as the album's fourth single on November 17, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starboy (song)</span> 2016 song by the Weeknd featuring Daft Punk

"Starboy" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring the French electronic duo Daft Punk. It was released on September 21, 2016, through XO and Republic Records, as the lead single from his third studio album of the same name (2016). The artists wrote and produced the song with Doc McKinney and Henry "Cirkut" Walter, with Jason "DaHeala" Quenneville receiving additional credits. It is an R&B and electropop song that reflects themes of extravagance and celebrity life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Party Monster (song)</span> 2016 single by the Weeknd

"Party Monster" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd, from his third studio album Starboy (2016). The song was released for digital download on November 17, 2016, as the album's fourth single. It was later sent to US urban contemporary radio on December 6, 2016. The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Ben Billions, and Doc McKinney, with additional writing credits going to Belly and Lana Del Rey, the latter of which providing background vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reminder (song)</span> 2017 single by the Weeknd

"Reminder" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his third studio album, Starboy (2016). It was written by him with Dylan Wiggins, DaHeala, and its producers Doc McKinney, Mano and Cirkut. The song was released to rhythmic contemporary radio on May 9, 2017, as the album's fifth single in the United States.

"Stargirl Interlude" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Dubbed as an "interlude", the track comes from the Weeknd's third studio album, Starboy (2016). The track's title itself is a direct reference to the album's titular character, Starboy, with the lyrics focusing in on a female counterpart, similarly named Stargirl. The song was written by the artists alongside producers Martin "Doc" McKinney and Labrinth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pray for Me (song)</span> 2018 single by the Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar

"Pray for Me" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd and the American rapper Kendrick Lamar from the soundtrack album of the Marvel Studios superhero film Black Panther. The song was released by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records on February 2, 2018, as the album's third and final single. It serves as the second overall collaboration between the two artists. The song appears in the movie during the scene where the titular hero along with his allies, Nakia and Okoye, enter a secret casino in Busan.

"Call Out My Name" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his debut extended play, My Dear Melancholy (2018). The song was co-written by the Weeknd and producer Frank Dukes, with musician Nicolas Jaar receiving writing credits for the sampling of his 2016 song "Killing Time". The song was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio on April 10, 2018, as the EP's only single.

"Try Me" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his debut extended play, My Dear Melancholy, (2018). The song was written by the Weeknd, Ahmad Balshe, Jason Quenneville, Adam Feeney, Michael Williams and Marquel Middlebrooks. It was produced by Mike Will Made It, Marz, Frank Dukes, and DaHeala.

"Wasted Times" is a song by the Canadian singer the Weeknd, and serves as the third track from his debut EP, My Dear Melancholy, (2018). The song was written by the Weeknd, Brittany Hazzard, Sonny Moore and Adam Feeney, and was produced by Frank Dukes and Skrillex. It was later included on the Weeknd's 2018 greatest hits album, The Weeknd in Japan, and the deluxe version of his 2021 greatest hits album, The Highlights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lost in the Fire</span> 2019 song by Gesaffelstein and the Weeknd

"Lost in the Fire" is a song by French DJ Gesaffelstein and Canadian singer the Weeknd, released on 11 January 2019 as the second single from Gesaffelstein's second studio album, Hyperion (2019). Nate Donmoyer assisted the artists in writing and producing the song, with additional writing from Ahmad "Belly" Balshe and Jason "DaHeala" Quenneville.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blinding Lights</span> 2019 single by the Weeknd

"Blinding Lights" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on November 29, 2019, through XO and Republic Records, as the second single from his fourth studio album, After Hours (2020). The universally acclaimed song was written by the Weeknd, Swedish musicians Max Martin and Oscar Holter, and fellow Canadian musicians Belly and DaHeala, being produced by the former three.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Save Your Tears</span> 2020 single by the Weeknd

"Save Your Tears" is a song by the Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd from his fourth studio album, After Hours (2020). It was released to Dutch contemporary hit radio on August 9, 2020 as the album's fourth and final single. The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter, with Belly and DaHeala receiving additional writing credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take My Breath</span> 2021 single by the Weeknd

"Take My Breath" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on August 6, 2021, through XO and Republic Records, as the lead single from his fifth studio album, Dawn FM (2022). The song was written and produced by the Weeknd, Max Martin and Oscar Holter, with Belly, Andrea Di Ceglie, and Luigi Tutolo receiving additional songwriting credits.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Right Now</span> 2021 single by Post Malone and the Weeknd

"One Right Now" is a song by American rapper and singer Post Malone and Canadian singer the Weeknd. It was released through Republic Records on November 5, 2021, as the lead single from Malone's fourth studio album, Twelve Carat Toothache (2022). The artists wrote the song with Billy Walsh and producers Louis Bell, Brian Lee, and Andrew Bolooki. "One Right Now" is a synth-pop song that is set in the key of D♭ major.

"Sacrifice" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released on January 7, 2022, through XO and Republic Records, as the second single from his fifth studio album Dawn FM. The song was written by the Weeknd, Max Martin, Oscar Holter, Carl Nordström and Swedish House Mafia; with Kevin McCord receiving songwriting credits for the sampling of the 1981 track "I Want to Thank You", performed by Alicia Myers. Production was handled by the Weeknd, Martin, Holter, Swedish House Mafia and Carl Nordström/Desembra

"Less than Zero" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd. It was released to French contemporary hit radio on July 7, 2022, as the fourth and final single from his fifth studio album Dawn FM (2022). The song was written by the Weeknd, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter, and produced by the three alongside Oneohtrix Point Never.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Creepin' (Metro Boomin, the Weeknd and 21 Savage song)</span> 2023 single by Metro Boomin, the Weeknd and 21 Savage

"Creepin'" is a song by American record producer Metro Boomin, Canadian singer the Weeknd, and British-American rapper 21 Savage. It was sent to Italian contemporary hit radio through Republic Records and Boominati Worldwide as the lead and only single from Metro's second studio album, Heroes & Villains, on December 2, 2022. It is a remake of "I Don't Wanna Know" (2004) by Mario Winans featuring Enya and P. Diddy, which is based on a sample of the Fugees' song "Ready or Not" (1996), and itself samples Enya's "Boadicea" (1987). Winans himself returned to contribute to the song as a backing vocalist along with Travis Scott. Diddy himself would also join the artists on a remix of the song on March 17, 2023.

References

  1. ↑ "The Weeknd: "I Was Never There" [ft. Gesaffelstein]". Pitchfork. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  2. ↑ "The Weeknd and Gesaffelstein reunite for "Lost in Fire": Stream". Consequence of Sound . January 11, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  3. ↑ Daly, Rhian (May 16, 2022). "The Songs That Trended In 2022" . Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  4. ↑ "The Weeknd Drops Behind-the-Scenes Short "He Was Never There"". Complex. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  5. ↑ Grow, Tomás Mier,Waiss David Aramesh,Julyssa Lopez,Charles Aaron,Angie Martoccio,Elias Leight,Jon Freeman,Mosi Reeves,Jon Blistein,Sarah Grant,Joe Gross,Simon Vozick-Levinson,Jon Dolan,Kory; Mier, Tomás; Aramesh, Waiss David; Lopez, Julyssa; Aaron, Charles; Martoccio, Angie; Leight, Elias; Freeman, Jon; Reeves, Mosi; Blistein, Jon; Grant, Sarah; Gross, Joe; Vozick-Levinson, Simon; Dolan, Jon; Grow, Kory (February 14, 2022). "The 50 Best Weeknd Songs" . Retrieved September 2, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "The Weeknd Seemingly References Exes Selena Gomez and Bella Hadid on His New Album". Vanity Fair. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  7. ↑ Zellner, Xander (April 9, 2018). "All 6 of The Weeknd's 'My Dear Melancholy' Tracks Debut on Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  8. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  9. ↑ "The Weeknd Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  10. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201814 into search. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  11. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There". Tracklisten. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  12. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  13. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  14. ↑ "IFPI Charts". ifpi.gr. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  15. ↑ "The Weeknd Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography The Weeknd". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
  17. ↑ "2022 38-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. September 23, 2022. Retrieved September 23, 2022.
  18. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  19. ↑ "NZ Heatseekers Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 9, 2018. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  20. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  21. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201814 into search. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  22. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There". Singles Top 100. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  23. ↑ "The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Official Audio Streaming Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  25. ↑ "The Weeknd Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  26. ↑ "The Weeknd Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  27. ↑ "2022 metų klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA . Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  28. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  29. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – The Weeknd – I Was Never There". Music Canada . Retrieved September 2, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Danish single certifications – The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There". IFPI Danmark . Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  31. ↑ "French single certifications – The Weeknd – I Was Never There" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique . Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  32. ↑ "Italian single certifications – The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  33. ↑ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved July 19, 2023. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter I Was Never There in the search box.
  34. ↑ "Portuguese single certifications – The Weeknd – I Was Never There" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa . Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  35. ↑ "British single certifications – The Weeknd & Gesaffelstein – I Was Never There". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  36. ↑ "American single certifications – The Weeknd – I Was Never There". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved December 6, 2022.
  37. ↑ "IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Εβδομάδα: 50/2023" (in Greek). IFPI Greece . Retrieved December 28, 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.