A Collaboration That Almost Went Unnoticed
Released on January 31, 2025, The Abyss marks the third collaboration between The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey—but this time, her presence is hidden in the track’s production.
Featured on The Weeknd’s latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, the song showcases a haunting evolution of their musical chemistry, with Lana’s vocals left uncredited.
The Sound of “The Abyss”
The track opens with delicate piano keys, setting a melancholic tone as The Weeknd’s signature tenor glides over the melody.
Behind the production are industry giants Metro Boomin, DaHeala, and Mike Dean, who build a soundscape where gradual synth layers intensify the emotional depth.
The song’s structure gives both artists a chance to shine, especially in the outro, where Lana’s ethereal harmonies become more prominent.
Lana Del Rey’s Hidden Vocals—A Feature in Disguise
While not officially credited, Lana’s influence is unmistakable. Her voice first emerges subtly in the segue between the chorus and the second verse, weaving “hey-hey, oh-oh” harmonies that haunt the background.
The outro is where her presence fully surfaces, blending seamlessly with The Weeknd’s vocals in a ghostly duet that heightens the song’s emotional weight.
Breaking Down The Abyss Lyrics: A Love Story on the Edge
The Abyss is a song about love slipping away in the face of inevitable destruction. The Weeknd opens with a desperate plea:
“I tried my best to not let you go / I don’t like the view from halfway down.”
The imagery of falling, flames, and fleeting moments recurs throughout the song, reinforcing a sense of doom:
“Let’s end it all, the world’s not far behind / So what’s the point of staying? / It’s going up in flames, I know.”
As the song progresses, it becomes less about love and more about surrender—a theme that reaches its peak in the outro, where Lana repeatedly questions:
“Is a threat not a promise?”
Her closing lines, “Oh, mama, I’ll pray / I’m running away”, suggest a final escape from emotional collapse.
A Departure from Their Past Collaborations
Unlike Lust for Life (2017) and Prisoner (2015), where Lana played a clear, front-facing role, The Abyss blurs the lines between lead and feature artist.
Here, her voice is an instrument rather than a focal point, adding an eerie texture that deepens the song’s emotional impact.
The Live Debut & Fan Reactions
when you gaze long enough into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you… pic.twitter.com/1qfmE7UMIG
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) July 23, 2024
The Weeknd first teased the track on social media in July 2024, before performing it live for the first time at his São Paulo concert in September.
The response was a mix of excitement and curiosity, as fans speculated about Lana’s hidden yet undeniable presence in the song.
Final Thoughts: A Haunting Masterpiece
The Abyss proves that The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey’s chemistry extends beyond traditional duet formulas.
Whether through lyrics, production, or hidden harmonies, The Abyss solidifies itself as one of their most emotionally gripping collaborations yet.
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The Weeknd The Abyss Lyrics
Verse 1: The Weeknd
I tried my best to not let you go
I don’t like the view
From halfway down
Just promise me that it won’t be slow
Will I feel the impact of the ground?
I tried to be something that I’ll never be
Why waste another precious hour?
Why waste another precious ounce?
I’d rather leave somewhat of a legacy
Familiar
A thought that’s so familiar
Chorus: The Weeknd
Let me close my eyes with dignity
Let’s end it all, the world’s not far behind
So what’s the point of staying?
It’s going up in flames, I know
Yes, I know, ooh
Oh-oh-oh
Segue: Lana Del Rey
Hey-hey
Oh-oh
(Hey)
Verse 2: The Weeknd
Just hold my heartbeat close to you
Remember how it always beats for you
I’m falling at the speed of light
I’m staring at your shrinking face, don’t cry
You know my heart belongs to you
One last time, say that you want me too
The only words that gave me life
Now I’ll see you on the other side
Bridge: The Weeknd
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh
Outro: Lana Del Rey & The Weeknd
Oh, mama, I’ll pray
I’m running away
Oh-oh
Hey-hey (Oh, no)
Oh-oh
Hey-hey
Is a threat not a promise? (Mmm)
If you’re looking for rage (Mmm, oh)
If you’re looking for ragin’
Quiet for days
Baby, running away
Ayy-yeah
Is a threat not a promise?
Is a threat not a promise?
Yeah-yeah
Ah-ha (Oh)
Ah-ha (Oh)
Ah-ha
Ah-ha
Mama, I’ll pray
Mama, I’ll pray