Lonely Star

The Weeknd's "Lonely Star" is a haunting exploration of a complex and conditional relationship, where love and materialism intertwine with a sense of possession and exclusivity. The lyrics convey a narrative of a person who offers their partner everything they could desire—wealth, fame, and pleasure—under the condition that they remain unforgettable to them, especially in their most intimate moments. The repetition of 'Baby, you could have it all' emphasizes the grandeur of the offer, but it's juxtaposed with the raw vulnerability expressed in lines like 'Promise me you won't regret me like the tattoos on my skin.' This suggests a deep fear of being discarded or forgotten, akin to an impulsive tattoo that one might later regret.

The song also touches on themes of blame and responsibility. The Weeknd sings about the partner blaming their sins on friends and never taking accountability, which could imply a toxic dynamic where one person is expected to fulfill all desires without any emotional labor in return. The specific mention of Thursday as the day the singer 'exists' for the partner highlights a secretive or secondary nature of the relationship, suggesting that the singer is only acknowledged or valued on that particular day of the week, which could be a metaphor for feeling undervalued or used.

Musically, The Weeknd is known for his atmospheric and moody R&B style, which often complements the melancholic and introspective themes in his lyrics. "Lonely Star" is no exception, with its ethereal production and emotive delivery enhancing the song's themes of longing, conditional love, and the desire to be remembered. The closing lines, where the singer professes their love for the guitars, could be seen as a moment of self-reflection or escape into the music itself, away from the complexities of the relationship.