Opening Night

'Opening Night' is a track that captures the tension and anxiety before a big event, serving as the eighth song on the album and setting the scene for the next track, 'Reflections Laughing'. The song begins with an ethereal, cut-up version of a phone error message, establishing a phone call motif that connects these two tracks. This introduction creates an atmosphere of expectation and uncertainty, reflecting the artist's emotional state.

The lyrics of 'Opening Night' reveal one side of a conversation where The Weeknd expresses his feelings of anxiety and frustration. He finds himself in an emotional dilemma, trying to balance logic and emotion in a relationship. The tension is palpable when he mentions the difficulty of dealing with his partner's irrationality, especially at such a crucial time as opening night. This duality between reason and emotion is a recurring theme in The Weeknd's work, which often explores the complexities of modern relationships.

The song also addresses the physical and mental pressure that The Weeknd faces. He describes intense physical sensations, such as compromised blood circulation and the struggle to breathe, symbolizing the overwhelming pressure he feels. These elements create a vivid image of someone struggling with their own insecurities and fears, while preparing for an important moment. The repetition of the phrase 'I'm fixing' suggests a continuous effort to pull oneself together and face the challenge ahead.

At the end of the song, a telephone ring finally rings, marking the transition to 'Reflections Laughing'. This sound symbolizes the inevitability of the moment ahead, as The Weeknd prepares to face his anxieties and start the show. 'Opening Night' is a powerful representation of the conflicting emotions that accompany moments of great expectation, capturing the essence of human vulnerability in the face of the unknown.