Assumptions

"Assumptions" delves into the core vulnerability of falling in love: the act of committing oneself emotionally based on the hope, or assumption, that the feelings are mutual. The lyrics are incredibly concise, repeating a two-part sentiment: a wholehearted offer of love followed by a question of its reciprocation. The line, "If it's love that you want, I'll give my everything," is a powerful statement of unconditional commitment. However, this is immediately counterbalanced by the anxiety and doubt in, "And have I made the right assumption? Do you feel the same?". This captures the universal fear of unrequited love and the emotional risk inherent in being the first to lay one's feelings bare. The song's meaning is amplified by its repetitive structure, which mimics the obsessive thought loop of someone consumed by a new love, constantly cycling between their own feelings and the desperate need for validation. It's a snapshot of a pivotal moment of emotional surrender, hanging on the precipice of either shared intimacy or potential heartbreak.

The narrative of the song is a direct and heartfelt address to a romantic interest, characterized by a cycle of earnest offering and anxious questioning. The speaker begins by unequivocally stating their willingness to give their absolute all, their "everything," under the condition that what the other person desires is genuine love. This declaration is not one of arrogant confidence, but of profound vulnerability. It is a promise of total emotional investment, a laying down of all guards and a commitment to go to any length for the sake of the relationship.

Immediately following this profound offer, a wave of self-doubt and uncertainty crashes in. The speaker is forced to confront the central tension of the song, which is captured in the recurring question: "Have I made the right assumption? Do you feel the same?" This line reveals the entire foundation of their grand offer is built on a presumption, an optimistic but unconfirmed belief that their feelings are reciprocated. It’s a moment of deep introspection and a plea for validation. The repetition of this question throughout the song transforms it from a simple query into a mantra of hope and fear. It underscores the high stakes of their emotional gamble. The speaker is suspended in a state of hopeful anxiety, having already committed their heart but waiting for the confirmation that it will be safely received.

The structure, with its limited and repetitive lyrics, mimics the feeling of being caught in a thought loop. This is a common experience when one is consumed by love and the uncertainty that often accompanies it. The same thoughts, the same hopes, and the same fears circle endlessly. The speaker is essentially having a conversation with themselves as much as with their partner, rehearsing their commitment and voicing their deep-seated need for reassurance. The plea is not just for love, but for clarity and the security of knowing that their immense emotional offering is not being made in vain. The song captures that pivotal, delicate moment in a relationship where one person has decided to go all-in, and is now breathlessly waiting to see if the other will meet them there.

The original version of "Assumptions" was written and produced entirely by Scottish artist Sam Gellaitry. It was first produced in 2019 and officially released on May 14, 2021, as part of his IV EP through FFRR Records and Parlophone. Gellaitry transitioned from being a producer known for experimental beats to also being a singer on his own tracks around 2021. He mentioned in an interview that the creation of the vocals involved "six takes of breathy and high-register shit." The song is a product of Gellaitry's unique approach to music, which is influenced by his synesthesia—a neurological condition where he experiences music as colors. For him, producing is a process of pairing different tones to create sensations like tension or relief. The official "slowed down version" was released as a single on November 25, 2022. This version gained massive traction years later, particularly in 2025, after it was used in a viral TikTok video featuring Russian dancer Ruslan Aidaev, famously known as the "Blue Shirt Guy". This resurgence propelled the song to significant chart success, including peaking at number 5 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.

The primary lyrical device in "Assumptions" is the direct, repeated question which functions as a central metaphor for emotional risk. The entire song hinges on the concept of an "assumption"—a belief taken to be true without proof. In the context of love, this is a powerful symbol for the leap of faith required to fall for someone. The speaker has built their entire emotional offering on this assumption. The repetition of the lines symbolizes the obsessive, circular thinking that often accompanies deep infatuation and uncertainty. There are no complex allegories; instead, the song finds its symbolic weight in its stark simplicity. The lyrical structure itself, a constant loop of offering and questioning, becomes a metaphor for the state of being in emotional limbo, waiting for a sign that your perceived reality is shared by the one you love.

The emotional atmosphere of "Assumptions - slowed down version" is a rich blend of sensuality, longing, and vulnerability. The slowed tempo and reverb-drenched synths create a dreamy, hypnotic soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive. The core of the song's emotion lies in the lyrical tension between confident declaration and anxious questioning. The line "I'll give my everything" conveys a powerful sense of devotion and hope, while the following question, "Have I made the right assumption?" introduces a deep undercurrent of insecurity and longing for reassurance. Sam Gellaitry's breathy, high-register vocals enhance this feeling of vulnerability, making the plea feel personal and raw. While the original version has an energetic, dance-floor euphoria, the slowed version transforms that energy into a more introspective and smoldering sensuality, creating a mood that is simultaneously confident and fragile, hopeful and uncertain.

The cultural impact of "Assumptions" exploded primarily through its slowed-down version, which became a massive viral sensation on TikTok in 2025. Its popularity was ignited by a video of Russian dancer Ruslan Aidaev (known as the "Blue Shirt Guy") performing an expressive samba routine to the song. The trend, often hashtagged #whisk, saw millions of users recreating the dance or using the hypnotic audio for aesthetic edits, fashion reveals, and other cinematic content. This viral fame propelled the song, originally released in 2021, onto international music charts, reaching #5 on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The song's success was further solidified when Apple featured it in the pre-intro for its WWDC 2025 keynote address. The track has been remixed by acclaimed producers like Kaytranada and Jengi, further cementing its place in the electronic music scene. The phenomenon demonstrates TikTok's power to resurrect older songs and reshape their cultural context, transforming "Assumptions" from an EP track into a global anthem of smooth confidence and aesthetic cool.

The lyrical structure of "Assumptions" is exceptionally simple, functioning more like a mantra than a traditional rhyming verse. The lyrics consist of two couplets that are repeated throughout the song. The rhyme scheme is AABB: "everything" rhymes with "everything" (repetition), and "assumption" has a soft assonant connection with "same" in the context of the melody, though they aren't a perfect rhyme. The song's power comes not from complex rhymes but from its rhythmic and melodic repetition. The original track has a tempo of 126 BPM with a 4/4 time signature, creating an upbeat, danceable nu-disco feel. In contrast, the viral "slowed down version" has a tempo of approximately 99 BPM. This slower, more deliberate pace changes the song's entire character, making it feel more sensual, introspective, and atmospheric. The rhythm of the vocal delivery is syncopated against the steady electronic beat, creating a laid-back, groovy feel that allows the listener to sink into the sound. The interplay between the pleading lyrics and the hypnotic, slowed rhythm is key to the track's emotional weight and viral appeal.

Musically, "Assumptions" blends elements of synth-pop, nu-disco, and R&B. The original track is characterized by a driving beat, lush synthesizer pads, and a distinctive, funky bassline reminiscent of French house and artists like Daft Punk. Sam Gellaitry's vocal delivery is notably breathy and high-pitched, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that complements the lyrical theme. He performed, wrote, produced, and mastered the track himself, handling vocals, electronic drums, guitar, horn, keyboards, and synthesizer. The "slowed down version" amplifies the song's atmospheric and sensual qualities. By reducing the tempo (to around 99 BPM), the synth textures become more expansive and the beat more hypnotic. This alteration shifts the mood from a more dance-oriented track to an introspective and immersive soundscape, which proved to be a key factor in its viral success on TikTok. The song's structure is minimalistic and repetitive, using a single verse as its entire lyrical content, which acts as a powerful hook.