
The Weeknd's After Hours came out Thursday night, giving fans a very personal look into the singer's psyche and thoughts on love. And while many of the songs seem to be about one former partner The Weeknd has been on-off with—likely Bella Hadid, who he has dated on-and-off since April 2015—"Save Your Tears" touches on the impact both Hadid and a second ex, seemingly his second most recent girlfriend, Selena Gomez, had on him.
"Save Your Tears" captures The Weeknd's longing for Hadid after seeing her out and his regrets over breaking her heart. This run-in was likely the one reported in tabloids last summer (opens in new tab): The two stars ran into each other at Catch One nightclub following their breakup in August 2019. Hadid reportedly left minutes after The Weeknd arrived.
The Weeknd acknowledges that Hadid's refusal to give The Weeknd her attention is probably because he hurt her the way another ex—likely Gomez, who he sang extensively about in his last EP My Dear Melancholy (opens in new tab)—did to him. ("I broke your heart like someone did to mine / And now you won't love me for a second time.")
This isn't the only song on The Weeknd's new album that addresses his intense relationship with Hadid. In "Scared to Live (opens in new tab)," the singer wishes Hadid the best and offers his prayers that the model learns to live and love again.
Here, the lyrics to "Save Your Tears," via Genius (opens in new tab), with the possible real-life allusions to Hadid and Gomez highlighted. You can listen to the song below.
Intro:
Ooh
Na na, yeah
Verse 1:
I saw you dancing in a crowded room
You look so happy when I'm not with you
But then you saw me, caught you by surprise
A single teardrop falling from your eye
Fans on Genius pointed out that The Weeknd may be singing about the run-in he had with Hadid (opens in new tab) at Catch One nightclub in August 2019. TMZ (opens in new tab) reported that Hadid left the nightclub just minutes after The Weeknd walked into it. Earlier that month, most outlets reported that Hadid and The Weeknd had broken up (opens in new tab), so their split was recent. It wasn't reported what happened inside or whether The Weeknd and Hadid had any contact. The Weeknd's lyrics seemingly fill in the blank.
Refrain:
I don't know why I run away
I'll make you cry when I run away
Verse 2:
You could've asked me why I broke your heart
You could've told me that you fell apart
But you walked past me like I wasn't there
And just pretended like you didn't care
TMZ reports that night that Hadid was with friends and allegedly arrived "in great spirits." At the time, a source told E! that The Weeknd was working on new music—so this run-in influencing one of his tracks isn't surprising. "They are in different places right now, physically and mentally," E!'s source said in early August. "Bella is prepping for her fashion week commitments and Abel is working on his music and his upcoming acting debut."
Refrain:
I don't know why I run away
I'll make you cry when I run away
Chorus:
Take me back 'cause I wanna stay
Save your tears for another
Save your tears for another day
Save your tears for another day
Hadid and The Weeknd, according to reports, weren't exactly over each other then or the hope their relationship could work in the future. E!'s source said in early August that "they hope to get back together at one point but for now are focusing on themselves and their projects."
Verse 3:
So, I made you think that I would always stay
I said some things that I should never say
Yeah, I broke your heart like someone did to mine
And now you won't love me for a second time
The Weeknd sang extensively about his Selena Gomez heartbreak (opens in new tab) in his last record My Dear Melancholy. The Weeknd and Gomez dated from January 2017 to October 2017 (opens in new tab). Gomez started dating Justin Bieber again shortly after. The Weeknd was first seen spending time at Hadid's apartment (opens in new tab) in November 2017, although they didn't fully start dating again (opens in new tab) until the next spring.
Refrain:
I don't know why I run away, oh, girl
Said I'll make you cry when I run away
Chorus:
Girl, take me back 'cause I wanna stay
Save your tears for another
I realize that I'm much too late
And you deserve someone better
Save your tears for another day (Ooh, yeah)
Save your tears for another day (Yeah)
Refrain:
I don't know why I run away
I'll make you cry when I run away
Chorus:
Save your tears for another day, ooh, girl (Ah)
I said save your tears for another day (Ah)
Outro:
Save your tears for another day (Ah)
Save your tears for another day (Ah)
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
subscribe here
RELATED STORIES
RELATED STORIES
Alyssa Bailey is the news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she's not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.
-
A Celebrity Colorist Explains Why You Should Always Wash Your Hair After Coloring It
Every color needs a good cleanse.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Lizzo's Game-Changing Eyebrow Hack Is About to Revamp Your Makeup Routine
She also gave us a peek inside her makeup bag.
By Samantha Holender
-
This Is the Only Dry Shampoo That Makes My Hair Feel Clean—Not Crunchy
Bonus: It’s only $8 per bottle.
By Samantha Holender
-
Miley Cyrus' New Song Is Packed With References to Ex Liam Hemsworth, And People Are Obsessed With Her "Queen Behavior"
Exhibit A: She released it on his birthday.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Taylor Swift Fans Have Big Feelings About Ticketmaster Crashing Due to "Historically Unprecedented Demand"
There was heartbreak.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Taylor Swift Beat the *Actual* Beatles With Her New Billboard Chart Rankings
I am shaken to the very core.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Taylor Swift Removes "Fat" Scale Scene From Music Video Following Backlash
The discussion rages on.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors