Privilege

The Weeknd's song 'Privilege' delves into the emotional aftermath of a breakup, exploring themes of detachment, self-medication, and the struggle to move on. The lyrics convey a sense of finality and resignation as the artist acknowledges the end of a relationship and the desire to part ways without further emotional turmoil. The opening lines set the tone for a bittersweet farewell, where The Weeknd expresses a refusal to continue supporting his former partner emotionally, suggesting a need for personal boundaries after a period of shared suffering.

The chorus introduces the motif of 'two red pills' as a metaphor for escapism or numbing the pain. This could be a reference to substance use as a coping mechanism to deal with heartache. The repetition of 'blues away' emphasizes the desire to eliminate sadness, while the act of taking pills symbolizes a temporary solution to emotional distress. The Weeknd's mention of reverting to 'old ways' and the determination to 'fuck the pain away' indicates a return to past behaviors that may not be healthy but provide a sense of control or relief in the face of loss.

The song's somber mood is underscored by The Weeknd's insistence on not wanting to hear about his ex-partner's suffering anymore. This could reflect a protective mechanism to shield himself from further emotional pain or a realization that each must deal with their grief independently. 'Privilege' captures the complexity of ending a relationship, the conflicting emotions involved, and the often imperfect ways individuals cope with the pain of separation.