Escapism (song)

* Single
* Live

## Music Video

**"Escapism"** (stylized with a full stop at the end) is the third single and fifth track on RAYE's debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues. It was released along with The Thrill Is Gone. as a double-single on October 12, 2022, independently and distributed by Human Re Sources.

The track became viral on TikTok at the end of 2022 pushing the song to occupy the number one spot on Denmark, UK and Ireland, as well as both artists first ever entry to the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

On October 16, 2023, the live version of this song was released as the eighteenth track on RAYE's live album, My 21st Century Symphony., performed with The Heritage Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall on September 26, 2023.

“*“Escapism” is about running away from reality as fast as you possibly can. Going out alone, ignoring everybody who has your best interest at heart. Chasing a maze of smoke and mirrors because clarity is bitterly intimidating. When you’re your lowest of lows, it’s like survival mode mind numbing, running from real life because it’s not something you want to see. Sonically large and dramatic, something to accompany this feeling, to get lost to and maybe you might find some healing inside of it like I did.*”
―via DIY Magazine

## Background

In an interview with *French NYLON* released on mid-October, 2022, talked about the song's theme confessing that "Addiction is a subject I talk about a lot in the album – especially on the “Escapism”. As a woman, I felt like I couldn’t talk about that. The industry makes us understand that it’s not sexy. But silence does not help, on the contrary. For years, I kept this part of me a secret. I consumed products to endure the absurdity of my life, the lie that my career had become. It was very dark. Since I left this system, I am much healthier because the only pressure I have to bear is the one I put on myself".

On the Spotify Storyline for the song, the British singer revealed which was the purpose of the track by saying:

“*Written about a dark time in my life, reality was not where I wanted to exist. I wanted to write explicitly about this feeling, and all it entails when you are desperate to not acknowledge your broken heart.*”
―via Spotify Storyline

As part of the promo for the album, RAYE broke down exclusively for Apple Music the meaning, history or making for each track of her debut full-length record.

“*I think when I was on my way out of the darker chapters in my life, I needed this song. It gives me hope. Mike played me this beat in the car, and I was rapping all this aggressive stuff. I knew exactly what story I wanted to tell on this. When we got to Utah, I went into the toilet and said a little prayer: ‘Dear God, help me find the best lyrics for the song!’ Then I got on the mic, and it came together so quickly-maybe in an hour and a half. I’m still processing the success of this song because I just did not expect it at all. I’m not doing this to gun for mainstream success. I’m not doing this to have the biggest chart records. These songs aren’t about that.*”
―via Apple Music

## Music video

The visual accompaniment for the song, which uses point-of-view cameras, premiered on November 9, 2022, on YouTube and it was directed by Keen and Otis Dominique. The music video reflects exactly what the lyrics of the single say: parties, drugs consumption and drinking to escape from reality, and numbing feelings after a breakup.

In an interview with *Shots*, both directors shared her thoughts on filming the video and their experience while making it as well as what they wanted to show as the final product.

“*We worked really hard to create an honest depiction of where I was at that time in my life. It was fun and wild. We shot it over a couple of days and wore point-of-view cameras during a wild night out at many different clubs. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and I ran 150 metres in 5 inch heels. We really took it there! I am really proud of it...*”
―RAYE via Shots

“*The song has so many ups and downs / changes of mood and vibe so the challenge lay in how to connect these feelings and emotions together through filmmaking and storytelling without being too on the nose. My favourite element of the film is the contrast between our real night out footage and the considered setups we shot inside the exact same locations, truly showing the differences between reality and state of mind. That stuff goes hard and is so trippy!*”
―Otis Dominique via Shots

## Track listing

**Digital download and streaming**

1. Escapism. – 4:32

**Digital download and streaming - Escapism. / The Thrill Is Gone.**

1. Escapism. – 4:32
2. The Thrill Is Gone. - 3:19

**Spotify digital download and streaming - Escapism. / The Thrill Is Gone.**

1. Escapism. – 4:32
2. The Thrill Is Gone. - 3:19
3. Black Mascara. - 4:01
4. Hard Out Here. - 3:11

**Digital download and streaming - Escapism. (Sped Up)**

1. Escapism. (Sped Up) – 3:59

**Spotify digital download and streaming - Escapism. (Sped Up)**

1. Escapism. (Sped Up) - 3:59
2. Escapism. - 4:32

**Digital download and streaming - Escapism. (Live At Metropolis)**

1. Escapism. (Live At Metropolis) - 4:10

**Spotify digital download and streaming - Escapism. (Live At Metropolis)**

1. Escapism. (Live At Metropolis) - 4:10
2. Escapism. (Sped Up) - 3:59
3. Escapism. - 4:32

**Digital download and streaming - Escapism. (Slowed Down)**

1. Escapism (Slowed Down) - 4:47

**Spotify digital download and streaming - Escapism. (Slowed Down)**

1. Escapism (Slowed Down) - 4:47
2. Escapism. (Live At Metropolis) - 4:10
3. Escapism. (Sped Up) - 3:59
4. Escapism. - 4:32

**Digital download and streaming - The Thrill is Gone. (Live At Metropolis) / Escapism. (Live At Metropolis)**

1. The Thrill is Gone. (Live At Metropolis) - 3:34
2. Escapism. (Live At Metropolis) - 4:11

## Lyrics

Sleazin' and teasin', I'm sittin' on him

All of my diamonds are drippin' on him

I met him at the bar, it was 12 or somethin'

I ordered two more wines, 'cause tonight, I want him

A little context if you care to listen

I find myself in a shit position

The man that I love sat me down last night

And he told me that it's over, dumb decision

And I don't wanna feel how my heart is rippin'

In fact, I don't wanna feel, so I stick to sippin'

And I'm out on the town with a simple mission

In my little black dress, and this shit is sittin'

Just a heart broke bitch, high heels, six inch

In the back of the nightclub, sippin' champagne

I don't trust any of these bitches I'm with

In the back of the taxi, sniffin' cocaine

Drunk calls, drunk texts, drunk tears, drunk sex

I was lookin' for a man who was on the same page

Now it's back to the intro, back to the bar

To the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways

'Cause I don't wanna feel how I did last night

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

Doctor, doctor, anything, please

Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me, take this pain away

You're asking me my symptoms, doctor, I don't wanna feel

Toke this joint how I'm blowin' this steam

Back to my ways like 2019

Not 24 hours since my ex did dead it

I got a new man on me, it's about to get sweaty

Last night really was the cherry on the cake

Been some dark days lately and I'm finding it crippling

Excuse my state, I'm as high as your hopes

That you'll make it to my bed, get me hot and sizzling

If I take a step back to see the glass half full

At least it's the Prada two-piece that I'm trippin' in

And I'm already actin' like a dick, know what I mean?

So you might as well stick it in

Just a heart broke bitch, high heels, six inch

In the back of the nightclub, sippin' champagne

I don't trust any of these bitches I'm with

In the back of the taxi, sniffin' cocaine

Drunk calls, drunk texts, drunk tears, drunk sex

I was lookin' for a man who was on the same page

Now it's back to the intro, back to the bar

To the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways

'Cause I don't wanna feel how I did last night

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

Doctor, doctor, anything, please

Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me, take this pain away

You're asking me my symptoms, doctor, I don't wanna feel, mm (what?)

'Cause I don't wanna feel like I felt last night

I don't wanna feel like I felt last night

Be at peace with the things you can't change (last night)

I'll be naked when I leave and I was naked when I came, yeah

Out of reach, out of touch, too numb, I don't feel no way

Toast up, so what? Street small, but it go both ways

So you'll run, yeah, but you'll never escape

Sunset in the maze (you're asking me my symptoms, doctor, I don't wanna feel)

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

I don't wanna feel how I did last night, oh

Doctor, doctor, anything, please

Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me

You're asking me my symptoms, doctor, I don't wanna feel

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

Mm, lipstick smudged like modern art

I don't know where the fuck I am or who's drivin' the fuckin' car

Speedin' down the highway, sippin'

Mixin' pills with the liquor 'cah fuck these feelings

I left everyone I love on read (uh-huh)

Spilling secrets to the stranger in my bed (uh-huh)

I remember nothing, so there's nothing to regret (uh-huh)

### Live at Royal Albert Hall recording

The man that I love—

The man that—

The man that I love sat me down last night

And he told me that it's over, dumb decision

Ladies and gentlemen

Sleazin' and teasin', I'm sittin' on him

All of my diamonds are drippin' on him

I met him at the bar, it was twelve or somethin'

I ordered two more wines 'cause tonight, I want him

A little context if you care to listen

I find myself in a shit position

The man that I love sat me down last night

And he told me that it's over, dumb decision

And I don't wanna feel how my heart is rippin'

In fact, I don't wanna feel, so I stick to sippin'

And I'm out on the town with a simple mission

In my little black dress and this shit is

Just a heart broke bitch, high heels six inch

In the back of the nightclub, sippin' champagne

I don't trust any of these bitches I'm with

In the back of the taxi sniffin' cocaine

Drunk calls, drunk texts, drunk tears, drunk sex

I was lookin' for a man who was on the same page

Now it's back to the intro, back to the bar

To the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways

'Cause I don't wanna feel how I did last night

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

Doctor, doctor, anything, please

Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me

Take this pain away

You're askin' me my symptoms, doctor, I don't wanna

Toke this joint how I'm blowin' this steam

Back to my ways like 2019

Not twenty-four hours since my ex did

I got a new man on me, it's about to get sweaty

Last night really was the cherry on the cake

Been some dark days lately and I'm findin' it cripplin'

Excuse my state, I'm as high as your hopes

That you'll make it to my bed, get me hot and sizzlin'

If I take a step back to see the glass half-full

At least it's the Prada two-piece that I'm trippin' in

London, and I'm already actin' like a dick, know what I mean?

So you might as well stick it in

Just a heart broke bitch, high heels six inch

In the back of the nightclub, sippin' champagne

I don't trust any of these bitches I'm with

In the back of the taxi sniffin' cocaine

Drunk calls, drunk texts, drunk tears, drunk sex

I was lookin' for a man who was on the same page

Now it's back to the intro, back to the bar

To the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways

'Cause I don't wanna feel how I did last night

No, I don't wanna feel how I did last night

Doctor, doctor, anything, please

Doctor, doctor, have mercy on me

You're askin' me my symptoms, doctor, I don't wanna

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

I don't wanna feel how I did last night

How I did, how I did, how I did last ni-ni-ni-ni-night

Yeah, the song is nearly over, but it's not done yet

Are you ready? Two, one, two, three, jump!

Hey, hey

Mm, lipstick smudged like modern art

I don't know where the fuck I am or who's drivin' the, hey

Speedin' down the highway, sippin'

I'm mixin' pills with the liquor 'cah fuck these

I left everyone I love on read, uh

Spilling secrets to the stranger in my bed

I remember nothing so there's nothing to regret

Other than this 4/4 kick drum poundin' in my head

And Royal Albert, how would it feel to lit this fucking place

Would you make some noise, hit me one more time

Oh my godness, what?

Heritage Orchestra, ladies and gentlemen

The Flames Collective, ladies and gentlemen

Congrat these ladies and gentlemen

Thank you so, I will never forget this moment

As long as I live, I will never forget this night

I will never forget this night, I love you so much, thank you

Let's go

Anna Lapwood on the organ, ladies and gentlemen

Anna Lapwood on the organ

## Gallery

RAYE, 070 Shake - Escapism. (Official Music Video)Official MVRAYE - Escapism. Ft. 070 Shake (Visualizer)Official Visualizer

## Certifications

**Certifications for "Escapism." by RAYE & 070 Shake**
 Sweden (GLF) | 4,000,000

## Personnel and credits

Taken from the My 21st Century Blues CD booklet:

* Written By: Raye, Mike Sabath and 070 Shake
* Produced By: Mike Sabath
* Vocals: Raye and 070 Shake
* Engineer: Mike Sabath, Chad Gordon
* Vocal Engineer: Jenna Felsenthal
* String Engineer: Adam Krevlin
* Drums, Synths, and Mellotron: Mike Sabath
* Strings (Cello): Jacob Braun
* Strings (Violin): Paul Cartwright
* String Arrangement: Mike Sabath

## Trivia

* "Escapism." marks Raye's first ever entry to the Billboard Hot 100.
* The song it is her first Nº1 UK Single.

## References

1. ↑ "Escapism." - Raye & 070shake on TikTok
2. ↑ Official UK Singles Chart: Escapism.
3. ↑ Glenn Rowley. "RAYE Scores First U.K. No. 1 With 'Escapism' Feat. 070 Shake". *Billboard*. January 6, 2023.
4. ↑ RAYE Billboard Chart History
5. ↑ "RAYE ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM ‘MY 21ST CENTURY BLUES’". *DIY*. October 14, 2022.
6. ↑ THÉMIS BELKHADRA-GOBARD. "RAYE, INDUSTRY BABY". *French NYLON*. October 19, 2022.
7. ↑ "Escapism." song and lyrics by RAYE on Spotify
8. ↑ "My 21st Century Blues" by RAYE on Apple Music
9. ↑ "RAYE, 070 Shake - Escapism. (Official Music Video)" on YouTube. November 9, 2022.
10. ↑ "RAYE Mashes Reality and Fiction for a Night of Debauchery in Video 'Escapism'". *Shots*. November 10, 2022.
11. ↑ "Escapism. - Single" by RAYE & 070 Shake on Apple Music.
12. ↑ "Escapism. / The Thrill Is Gone. - Single" by RAYE on Apple Music.
13. ↑ "Escapism. / The Thrill Is Gone. - EP" by RAYE on Spotify.
14. ↑ "Escapism. (Sped Up) - Single" by RAYE on Apple Music.
15. ↑ "Escapism. (Sped Up)" by RAYE on Spotify
16. ↑ "Escapism. (Live At Metropolis) - Single" by RAYE on Apple Music.
17. ↑ "Escapism. (Live At Metropolis)" by RAYE on Spotify.
18. ↑ "Escapism. (Slowed Down) - Single" by RAYE on Apple Music.
19. ↑ "Escapism. (Slowed Down)" by RAYE on Spotify.
20. ↑ "The Thrill is Gone. (Live At Metropolis) / Escapism. (Live At Metropolis) - Single" by RAYE on Apple Music.
21. ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Singles for week of 30 January 2023". *Australian Recording Industry Association*. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
22. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Raye feat. 070 Shake – Escapism". *Recorded Music NZ*. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
23. ↑ "Norwegian single certifications – Raye, 070 Shake – Escapism" (in Norwegian). *IFPI Norway*. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
24. ↑ "British single certifications – Raye ft 070 Shake – Escapism". *British Phonographic Industry*. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
25. ↑ "American single certifications – Raye, 070 Shake – Escapism". *Recording Industry Association of America*. Retrieved 10 February 2023.
26. ↑ "IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Εβδομάδα: 02/2023" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
27. ↑ "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 2, 2023 | Sverigetopplistan" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 29 January 2023. Scroll to position 4 to view certification.