Nessa Barrett Wouldn't Mind You Telling One Last Sweet "lie"


Photo: Colin Miller

Nessa Barrett delivers yet again in her latest single, "lie." Introspective and personal, the track showcases the songstress' softer, more vulnerable side, with its narrator reminiscing over a failed relationship and hoping that her ex never feels love truly for anyone else but her.

"lie" holds back no emotional punches, starting with the line, "The hardest pill to swallow is knowing that tomorrow you're not mine." Over ethereal drumming and a sparse piano arrangement, she admits that although she's filled with longing, she's grateful, and "If I don't get to have you, thank god our matching tattoos last for life."

In the chorus, Barrett comes to terms with her lover moving on, singing, "You can kiss her softly, never make her cry," and even says that her ex can tell his new lover that he loves her "as long as it's a lie." Bittersweet and lovelorn, the single underlines the breakout star's unfiltered, authentic approach to songwriting and showcases her ability to be an artist who contains multitudes.

While discussing the inspiration for the track, Barrett reveals that the song is "about accepting that sometimes even though you want something, it's not always meant to be." Ultimately, she hopes it will be a source of comfort. "I hope people who listen to this feel an emotion that is hard for us to accept but need to in order to live a fulfilling life."

The music video is a retro-inspired visual that takes place in an Elvis-officiated chapel. Barrett steps out of her car and makes her way in to ready herself for the ceremony, only for viewers to find out that she's not the one getting married but her former lover to another. She sits in the back as wedding guests celebrate the couple's nuptials, with the video then fast forwarding to the reception where she performs as the wedding singer. With lovelorn glances, the former couple part ways, leaving Barrett alone on the curb as the newlyweds head off to their honeymoon on a motorcycle with only "Elvis" to comfort her.

"lie" arrives hot on the heels of recent singles "american jesus" and "BANG BANG!" the former of which highlights her deliciously devious brand of pop while exploring themes of longing and desire.

Watch the "lie" video below:


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