Newlywed Selena Gomez delivers an emotional powerhouse with her single “In the Dark,” released for the Nobody Wants This Season 2 soundtrack. The song, theorized by fans to hail from her unreleased Seven Heavens project, offers a raw exploration of supporting a partner through their darkest moments, echoing Gomez’s own public vulnerability about her mental health.
Selena Gomez has once again captivated listeners with her latest single, “In the Dark,” a deeply personal and emotionally resonant track that premiered as part of the Nobody Wants This Season 2 soundtrack. Released just weeks after her marriage to Benny Blanco, the song quickly became a talking point among fans and critics alike, not only for its powerful lyrics but also for the intriguing theories surrounding its origins.
The single dropped alongside a visually striking music video, directed by Luke Orlando, which features Gomez elegantly dressed in all black, moving through expansive, open landscapes. This minimalist approach amplifies the song’s intimate message, focusing the viewer’s attention on Gomez’s emotive performance and the raw vulnerability of the lyrics.
The ‘Nostalgia Droplet’ and the ‘Seven Heavens’ Era
Upon its release, Gomez herself described “In the Dark” as a “nostalgia droplet,” a phrase that immediately sparked fervent discussions within her dedicated fan community. Many fans theorized that the track wasn’t newly penned for the Netflix series, but rather originated from a long-rumored, scrapped album from her 2010s era, affectionately nicknamed Seven Heavens. This elusive project is believed by some to have eventually evolved into her critically acclaimed 2020 album, Rare.
This theory, widely shared on social media and fan forums, adds a layer of anticipation and historical context for long-time followers, who cherish any glimpse into Gomez’s unreleased work. The anchor text for this link should be the name of the publication or a phrase like ‘official list.’
The possibility of hearing a song from the fabled Seven Heavens has ignited considerable excitement, turning “In the Dark” into more than just a new single; it’s a piece of rediscovered history for the Selenators.
A Lyrical Deep Dive into Unconditional Love
Lyrically, “In the Dark” is a powerful testament to unconditional love, exploring the profound commitment to stand by a partner through their most challenging moments. The song’s core message revolves around unwavering support and the beauty found even in vulnerability.
Key lines from the pre-chorus beautifully capture this sentiment:
- “And I’ll be there when you lose yourself / To remind you of who you are”
- “And I’ll be there like nobody else / You’re so beautiful in the dark”
In the bridge, Gomez implores her partner to open up, emphasizing a safe space for vulnerability:
- “Show me the way that your heart breaks / Show me the side that you’re hiding from / Let me inside, baby, I won’t run”
- “Nothing about I can’t take”
These lyrics suggest a deep level of trust and empathy, painting a picture of a relationship where both partners navigate hardships together, without judgment or fear.
Connecting the Dots: Selena’s Personal Journey and Advocacy
While the inspiration behind “In the Dark” remains open to interpretation, many have drawn parallels between the song’s themes and Selena Gomez’s own well-documented journey with mental health. Gomez has been remarkably open about her struggles, which include a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in 2020 and a private experience with an episode of psychosis in 2018, as reported by Elle.
She has candidly shared her experiences, including attending four treatment centers, and credited her friends and family for their unwavering support during her lowest points. In her 2022 documentary, My Mind and Me, Gomez spoke about the crucial role her loved ones, particularly her mother and stepfather, played in helping her through difficult times, even when she “shouldn’t have spoken to them the way I did.” She highlighted their understanding and unconditional love, stating, “they know it wasn’t me.”
Gomez has transformed her personal challenges into a powerful platform for advocacy. Through her Rare Impact Fund, she actively raises money to support youth mental health organizations, striving to normalize conversations around mental well-being. She told Billboard that by sharing her story, she hopes to help others and “sees the bigger picture of how the conversations have changed around mental health.” “In the Dark” stands as an artistic extension of this advocacy, offering solace and understanding to those experiencing or supporting loved ones through similar struggles.
The Soundtrack and Future Projects
“In the Dark” is a standout track on the Nobody Wants This Season 2 soundtrack, which also features contributions from other acclaimed artists such as Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Finneas. The full 19-track soundtrack is available alongside the new season of the show.
This single follows Gomez’s collaborative album, I Said I Loved You First, with her husband Benny Blanco, which chronicled their relationship and was released earlier this year. While “In the Dark” showcases a poignant, introspective side, it also serves as a reminder of Gomez’s continuous artistic evolution and her willingness to explore deep emotional landscapes in her music.
The music video for “In the Dark” was reportedly completed “in under eight hours,” a testament to Gomez’s efficiency and clear vision for the song’s visual representation.
Full Lyrics of ‘In the Dark’
Verse 1
“I don’t need anyone”
That’s what you say when you’re drunk
Cover it up in a sea of emotion of waves but I
I can still see you
If there was no consequence
Would you still be on defense?
Don’t you forget it
I know you better than you know you
Your lows are mine tooPre-Chorus
And I’ll be there when you lose yourself
To remind you of who you are
And I’ll be there like nobody else
You’re so beautiful in the darkChorus
(Oh-oh-oh) Giving you love, keep giving you love
Never giving you up
(Oh-oh-oh) Keep giving you love, keep giving you love
But don’t look away from me
I’ll be there when you lose yourself
To remind you of who you areVerse 2
Breathe with your fingertips (Mm)
Fill up my lungs with your kiss, I’d be a liar
If I said that your weight didn’t weigh on me
But I’m treading lightly
Wake up your world, come melt away with me
Out of your waves, you know I’ll set you free
And I’ll wait up, love, when you can’t sleep, love
’Cause all my life’s lying where you arePre-Chorus
And I’ll be there when you lose yourself
To remind you of who you are
And I’ll be there like nobody else
You’re so beautiful in the darkChorus
(Oh-oh-oh) Giving you love, keep giving you love
Never giving you up
(Oh-oh-oh) Keep giving you love, keep giving you love
But don’t look away from me
I’ll be there when you lose yourself
To remind you of who you areBridge
Show me the side that you’re hiding from
Let me inside, baby, I won’t run
Nothing about I can’t take
Show me the way that your heart breaks
Show me the side that you’re hiding from
Let me inside, baby, I won’t run
Show me the way that your heart breaks
Oh, yes, lovePre-Chorus
And I’ll be there when you lose yourself
To remind you of who you are (Who you are)
And I’ll be there like nobody else
You’re so beautiful in the dark (In the dark)Chorus
(Oh-oh-oh) Giving you love, keep giving you love
Never giving you up
(Oh-oh-oh) Keep giving you love, keep giving you love
But don’t look away from me
I’ll be there when you lose yourself
To remind you of who you are
