Lil Nas X in ‘Sun Goes Down’ video (Photo: YouTube)
Not even two months after the chart-topping success of his latest single, “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”, Lil Nas X released his latest track.
“Sun Goes Down” marks a change of tempo for the performer: it’s an emotional and heart-wrenching rap ballad that makes him reflect on his insecurities when he was younger.
It’s a lead that many of his LGBTQ fans will be able to relate to, or even anyone who is concerned about fitting in or being accepted.
“Are you still wondering why my lips are so big?” Was I too dark? Can they feel my fears? he sings. “These homosexual thoughts would always haunt me, I prayed that God would take it away from me, it’s hard on you when you’re fighting, and nobody knows when you’re silent.”
In the chorus, he seems to be considering suicide.
“I want to run away, I don’t want to lie, I don’t want a life, send me a gun and I’ll see the sun.”
Related: He Did It: Lil Nas X Takes ‘A Song About Gay Sex’ To Top Of The Billboard Hot 100
In the accompanying music video, we see Lil Nas X singing for a younger version of himself, sweeping the floors of a Taco Bell.
The younger version is then shown in high school, where he nervously shows up at the Prom. Surrounded by couples of the opposite sex slowly dancing with each other, he retreats to a bathroom in tears.
His older self gives him a pep talk, reassuring him that there is “a lot more to life than dying because of your past mistakes and the people who have thrown dirt at your name.”
Did we mention it’s also ridiculously eye-catching?
On Twitter, Lil Nas X said the song was “very important to me” and hoped his fans would love it. The dominant response was that they did.
Damn, I didn’t expect to rip today.
– 💖ironmouse💖VSHOJO💖😈 (@ironmouse) May 21, 2021
You did it again. I bawl. That’s it and the fact that you can be so vulnerable in your music… your music helps so many LGBTQ + people feel less alone, including myself. Thanks Nas. We love you and your music🤍
– Katelyn (@KatelynSue_) May 21, 2021
After watching this video of you my respect went even higher for you life was difficult for you back then and you had to hide it. I’m glad you were able to go through all of these trials in your life to get to where you are today, you completely deserve it
– miguelrosas151 (@ miguelrosas151) May 21, 2021
Listen to Sun Goes Down by Lil Nas X pic.twitter.com/kpPb9NeTgB
– M • a • r • c • u • s (@MaterialReed) May 21, 2021
Oh, and Taco Bell enjoyed being in the video too!
Currently in rehearsal. 💜 https://t.co/XGPMDDdzlk
– Taco Bell (@tacobell) May 21, 2021
Related: Lil Nas X Says He Worried ‘Call Me By Your Name’ Could Alienate Straight Fans
