Lonely Together

"Lonely Together" explores the complex and often contradictory desire to quell loneliness through a temporary, known-to-be-flawed connection. The lyrics, sung by Rita Ora, articulate a narrative of two people who find solace in each other's company, not out of love or a desire for a lasting relationship, but to escape their individual feelings of isolation. The central theme is the paradox of being "lonely together," suggesting that while their physical presence offers comfort, the emotional void remains. It's a candid look at using another person as a beautiful, albeit temporary, distraction from personal pain. The song delves into the allure of instant gratification, where the characters choose a night of connection despite knowing they will likely regret it in the morning. Some interpretations, particularly after Avicii's death, view the lyrics as a potential metaphor for his struggle with addiction, with phrases like "poison in the wine" and "the high I can't give up" reflecting an addict's internal battle.

The narrative begins with a confession of being in a precarious emotional state, caught between heart and mind. The singer feels a connection to someone but acknowledges the danger and slight pain it brings, like touching the edge of a knife. There's a clear understanding that a simple friendship isn't a viable option because the feelings are too intense and conflicting. The line "my hands are tied, but not tight enough" suggests a feeling of being trapped in the situation, yet still having just enough freedom to make a potentially reckless choice. This person represents a euphoric escape, a "high that I can't give up," signaling an addictive quality to their relationship.

As the story progresses into the chorus, the internal conflict intensifies into a deliberate act of self-aware indulgence. The singer anticipates future regret, singing, "I might hate myself tomorrow, but I'm on my way tonight." This highlights a decision to prioritize immediate gratification and emotional release over long-term consequences. The object of their affection is described as "the poison in the wine," a perfect metaphor for something that seems alluring and pleasurable on the surface but is fundamentally harmful. Despite knowing they cannot change the other person or the toxic dynamic, they choose to dive in. The core plea of the song emerges here: "Let's be lonely together, a little less lonely together." It’s a poignant invitation to use each other's company to temporarily numb the feeling of isolation, creating a shared but ultimately hollow connection.

The second verse delves deeper into the intoxicating and disorienting nature of their encounters. The phrase "eyes wide shut" implies a willing blindness to the reality of the situation, choosing to experience the thrill as if for the first time. There's a reference to the physical and emotional rush being almost overwhelming, to the point of a "flatline," a metaphor for emotional or physical exhaustion after an intense peak. This verse reinforces the cyclical and ultimately destructive pattern of their interactions. Even though the singer knows how the story will end—presumably in more heartache or emptiness—they are still "all messed up" and drawn back into the initial feeling of excitement. The repetition of choosing to ignore future consequences for present solace underscores the central theme of using a flawed connection as a temporary cure for loneliness, creating a powerful and relatable narrative of modern-day romance and emotional vulnerability.

"Lonely Together" was released on August 11, 2017, as the second single from Avicii's final EP, Avīci (01). This was the last single released by Avicii (Tim Bergling) during his lifetime. The song was a collaboration with British singer Rita Ora, who provides the lead vocals. It was written by a team of accomplished songwriters: Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco), Ali Tamposi, Brian Lee, Andrew Wotman (Andrew Watt), and Magnus August Høiberg (Cashmere Cat), alongside Avicii himself. The production was handled by Avicii, Benny Blanco, Andrew Watt, and Cashmere Cat. The song came together as part of Avicii's return to music after his retirement from touring in 2016, with the Avīci (01) EP being a collection of new tracks he was excited about. The music video was directed by Levan Tsikurishvili, who also directed the Avicii documentary Avicii: True Stories.

The lyrics of "Lonely Together" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that illustrate its themes of temporary connection and self-aware indulgence.

• "Caught the edge of a knife and it hurts just a little": This metaphor represents the known risk and pain involved in the relationship. It's not a devastating wound, but a sharp, clear sign of danger that is willingly ignored.
• "The poison in the wine": A powerful image that encapsulates the song's central conflict. Wine is often associated with celebration, relaxation, and romance, but here it is tainted with poison. This suggests that the relationship, while intoxicating and desirable on the surface, is fundamentally toxic and harmful.
• "The high that I can't give up": This phrase directly frames the connection as an addiction. It highlights the compulsive need for the temporary euphoria the other person provides, even with full knowledge of its negative consequences.
• "Flatline": Used after mentioning the "rush to my blood," this medical term for the cessation of heart activity serves as a metaphor for the emotional crash or burnout that follows the intense high of their time together.
• Frozen World (in Music Video): The music video, directed by Levan Tsikurishvili, depicts the main couple moving through a world where everyone else is frozen in time. This visualizes the idea that when they are together, the outside world and its problems cease to exist, creating a private, surreal bubble just for them. It symbolizes their insular experience and how their connection makes them feel uniquely alive and separate from everyone else.

The emotional atmosphere of "Lonely Together" is distinctly bittersweet and complex. It merges a melancholic, introspective lyrical theme with an upbeat, energetic, and almost euphoric musical production. The predominant emotions are a sense of longing and loneliness, as expressed through the lyrics about seeking temporary solace. However, this is coupled with a feeling of defiant excitement and carnal desire, captured in the line "I might hate myself tomorrow but I'm on my way tonight." There's an undercurrent of sadness and resignation, an acknowledgment that this connection is a palliative, not a cure. Rita Ora's vocal performance skillfully navigates these conflicting feelings, balancing vulnerability with a sultry confidence. The instrumental drops provide moments of pure, wordless euphoria, allowing for a temporary escape from the lyrical turmoil, only for the cycle of awareness and indulgence to return in the next verse.

"Lonely Together" was a significant commercial success worldwide, charting in over 30 countries and achieving high certifications in many, including Platinum in the US, UK, Canada, and Italy. As the last single released before Avicii's tragic death in April 2018, the song took on a new layer of poignancy and is often remembered as one of his final masterpieces. Rita Ora has frequently performed the song as a tribute to Avicii, including an emotional performance at the 538 Koningsdag festival just a week after his passing. The music video won for Best Dance Video at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. The song's title and theme have resonated culturally, even inspiring a dance and theatrical production based on Avicii's music, also titled "Lonely Together," set to premiere in 2025. The track remains a staple in both Avicii's and Rita Ora's discographies and is celebrated for its perfect fusion of dance-pop catchiness and deep emotional complexity.

The song's rhythmic structure is built on a steady, dance-oriented 4/4 time signature, typical of the progressive house and dance-pop genres. The tempo is upbeat, creating a stark but effective contrast with the melancholic and contemplative nature of the lyrics. This juxtaposition is a common technique in Avicii's music, allowing for a song that is both emotionally resonant and physically engaging. The lyrical rhythm is conversational and flows naturally over the electronic beat. The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and direct, primarily using couplets (AABB) in sections, such as "tonight" rhyming with "wine" and the implied rhyme in the following lines. For instance, in the pre-chorus, "middle" and "little" create an internal rhyme that links the lines smoothly. The repetition of "And I know, and I know, and I know, and I know" creates a rhythmic insistence that mimics the obsessive thought process of someone trying to convince themselves of a difficult truth. The chorus's rhythm is anthemic, with the key phrase "Let's be lonely together" landing on strong beats, making it a memorable and impactful hook.

"Lonely Together" is a prime example of Avicii's signature style, blending electronic dance music with strong pop sensibilities. Musically, it employs a classic four-to-the-floor house beat, making it a danceable club track. The arrangement features a slow, atmospheric buildup in the verses, allowing Rita Ora's emotive vocals to take center stage. This builds tension towards a euphoric and melodic drop in the chorus, characterized by Avicii's use of bright, layered electronic synths, cymbals, and a prominent bassline. Rita Ora's vocal delivery is key; she brings a sultry yet vulnerable quality to the lyrics, effectively conveying the song's bittersweet emotional tone. Lyrically, the song uses direct, first-person narration, which creates a sense of intimacy and confession. The repetition of the hook "I might hate myself tomorrow but I'm on my way tonight" acts as a powerful, memorable mantra that encapsulates the song's core theme of conscious recklessness.