On My Way

"On My Way" is a powerful anthem about emancipation from a toxic relationship and the journey towards self-reliance and empowerment. Lyrically, the song explores themes of growth, independence, and the profound realization that one's safety and well-being are ultimately in their own hands. Sabrina Carpenter's verses articulate the struggle of leaving a painful past behind. She sings of finding strength in her misery and moving forward with newfound clarity and purpose. The line, "No, nobody but me can keep me safe," is the song's central thesis, a declaration of self-empowerment and the refusal to be a victim. Farruko's Spanish verse provides a complementary perspective, portraying the other side of the breakup. He expresses remorse for his mistakes but concurs with the necessity of their separation, stating it's time for him to follow his own path. This dual perspective suggests that leaving a broken relationship, while difficult, is a necessary step for both individuals to grow and find their own way.

The narrative of the song unfolds as a declaration of independence and self-reliance, breaking free from a toxic or restrictive situation. The protagonist, voiced initially by Sabrina Carpenter, is in a vulnerable state, choosing to hide her tears and sorrow from the world. She feels that even if others were to witness her pain, they wouldn't truly comprehend its depth. This initial moment of solitude is a necessary precursor to her transformation. Once she processes her emotions, she is ready to face the world again, not as a victim, but as a proactive force. She embraces the idea that she cannot please everyone and channels her past misery into a source of strength, asserting her newfound power and determination to carve her own path and, metaphorically, 'save the world' on her own terms.

The chorus serves as a powerful anthem of this new phase. The lines "So, take aim and fire away, I've never been so wide awake" signify a challenge to any external opposition and a profound sense of clarity and alertness. The core message is crystallized in the recurring affirmation: "No, nobody but me can keep me safe." This is a pivotal realization of self-sovereignty. The imagery of a "blood moon" and "fire burning in my eyes" amplifies the intensity of her resolve, suggesting a rare and powerful alignment of purpose and passion. She is not just leaving; she is embarking on a determined journey forward, fully aware and in control.

Farruko's verse, delivered in Spanish, adds a conversational and relational layer to the story. He takes on the role of the other party in the relationship, expressing regret and acknowledging his own faults. He admits that he is leaving because he realizes the dynamic is broken and he feels like nothing by her side. His words, "Acepto mis errores, también soy humano" (I accept my mistakes, I'm also human), introduce a sense of mutual, albeit painful, understanding. He frames his departure as a necessary step for his own journey, to follow his own path away from her. This bilingual dialogue enriches the narrative, showing that the decision to part ways, while initiated by one, is a complex and shared experience of letting go to find individual strength.

Ultimately, the song is a portrayal of moving on from a damaging relationship. It’s not about bitterness, but about the empowering realization that true safety and strength come from within. The journey is one of transforming pain into purpose, a solitary but necessary path towards self-actualization. Both characters, in their own languages and from their own perspectives, arrive at the same conclusion: the path forward must be walked alone to truly find oneself.

"On My Way" was released on March 21, 2019, as a collaboration between Norwegian DJ Alan Walker, American singer Sabrina Carpenter, and Puerto Rican singer Farruko. The song was a joint effort written by a large team including Julia Karlsson, Gunnar Greve, Franklin Jovani Martinez, Marcos G. Pérez, Fredrik Borch Olsen, Jesper Borgen, Øyvind Sauvik, Anders Frøen, Anton Rundberg, along with the three performing artists. Production was handled by Alan Walker and Big Fred. The collaboration was teased by Walker on social media starting March 9, 2019, with the official announcement and release date following on March 14. The involvement of Carpenter and Farruko was confirmed on March 19, just days before the release. A significant part of the song's launch was its strategic partnership with the popular mobile game PUBG Mobile. On March 20, 2019, Walker announced that the song would serve as the theme for the game's first-anniversary event, integrating it directly into the game's lobby and vehicles. This collaboration massively boosted the song's visibility and cultural footprint, especially within the gaming community. Alan Walker has mentioned in an interview that the song's composition is based on DJ Okawari's "Flower Dance".

The lyrics of "On My Way" are rich with symbolic imagery that reinforces its themes of empowerment and self-determination.

• The Blood Moon: The line "The blood moon is on the rise" uses celestial imagery to signify a rare, pivotal, and transformative moment. A blood moon often symbolizes a significant change or omen, which in this context, highlights the gravity and intensity of the protagonist's decision to leave and start anew.
• Fire in the Eyes: The phrase "The fire burning in my eyes" is a powerful metaphor for passion, determination, and an unyielding spirit. It contrasts with the initial tears the singer wishes to hide, showing a transformation from sorrow to fierce resolve.
• Drawing the Blinds: The act of "drawing the blinds" symbolizes a need for private introspection and healing. It's a conscious choice to shield oneself from the judgment or misunderstanding of others while processing pain, a necessary step before emerging stronger.
• Take Aim and Fire Away: This is a direct and defiant challenge to a former partner or to any obstacle. It metaphorically represents a readiness to face conflict head-on, no longer fearing the repercussions, because the protagonist is "wide awake" and aware of her own strength.

The emotional arc of "On My Way" is one of triumphant transformation from sorrow to strength. It begins with a tone of quiet melancholy and vulnerability, as the lyrics describe a person needing a moment alone to cry, away from misunderstanding eyes. However, this sadness quickly evolves into a feeling of determined resolve. As the chorus hits, the atmosphere shifts to one of defiance, hope, and empowerment. The powerful vocals, anthemic melody, and driving beat create a sense of uplift and motivation. Farruko's verse adds a layer of bittersweet reflection, acknowledging past mistakes with a hint of regret but ultimately agreeing on the need to move on. The overall emotional landscape is predominantly hopeful and inspiring, focusing on the strength found in independence rather than dwelling on the heartbreak that necessitated it. The song leaves the listener feeling energized and optimistic.

"On My Way" achieved significant global popularity, largely propelled by its strategic collaboration with the mobile gaming giant PUBG Mobile, for which it served as the first anniversary theme song. This partnership exposed the track to millions of players worldwide, embedding it within gaming culture. The song topped charts in multiple countries, hitting #1 on Shazam, iTunes, and Spotify in India, for example. In Norway, it peaked at #3. The music video garnered massive attention, accumulating over 555 million views on YouTube as of February 2024. Its success reinforced Alan Walker's status as a global EDM-pop crossover star with a particularly strong following in Asia. The song became a staple in Walker's discography and was included on his 2021 album, World of Walker. Its blend of English and Spanish vocals, along with its universally relatable theme of self-empowerment, contributed to its broad international appeal and lasting impact.

The rhyme scheme in "On My Way" is relatively straightforward, primarily using couplets (AABB) and simple end rhymes, which enhances its pop accessibility and memorability. For instance, in the first verse, "talk"/"go" is a slant rhyme, followed by the perfect rhyme of "cry"/"understand" (though stretched). The pre-chorus and chorus are more consistent, with lines like "away"/"awake"/"safe"/"way" creating a strong, repetitive rhyming pattern that reinforces the central theme. The song maintains a mid-tempo pace at 85 BPM, which provides a steady, determined pulse rather than a frantic dance energy. The rhythm is built around a typical 4/4 time signature. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the instrumental is key; the verses have a more conversational, slightly syncopated flow, while the chorus aligns with the strong, driving beat, making it feel anthemic and declarative. Farruko's Spanish verse introduces a different rhythmic cadence, characteristic of Latin music, which adds a layer of texture and variety to the song's overall rhythmic feel.

"On My Way" showcases Alan Walker's signature Future Bass style, blended with pop sensibilities and a Latin influence from Farruko's contribution. The song's structure builds from a simple electric guitar introduction accompanying Sabrina Carpenter's gentle but firm vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere. The pre-chorus introduces a rhythmic kick that quickens the pace, leading into a dramatic, anthemic chorus. Instead of a typical hard-hitting EDM drop, the song employs a more subtle, melodic drop featuring a distinctive flute-like synth lead, which became a memorable hook. This choice keeps the track's rhythm soothing yet danceable. The track is composed in the key of D♭ minor with a tempo of 85 beats per minute. The bilingual nature of the song, with Carpenter's English verses and Farruko's Spanish verse, creates a cross-cultural appeal and a conversational dynamic within the narrative. Carpenter's vocal delivery shifts from gentle verses to powerful, soaring vocals in the chorus, effectively highlighting her message of newfound strength.